The Whitsdom Press

Category: Summer Learning

  • Keep Your Child on Track: A Parent’s Guide to Reading & Learning Apps

    Reading is one of the best ways to help your child grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Whether your child is in preschool or high school, reading builds the foundation for learning in every subject—from math and science to writing and critical thinking.

    In today’s digital world, there are many educational apps that can support reading and learning across all grade levels. The best part? These apps can be accessed on both tablets and computers, making learning easy at home or on the go.

    This guide will show you:

    • Why reading matters at every age
    • Apps that support learning and reading by grade level
    • A checklist table to keep your child on track year-round

    🌟 Why Reading Is So Important for Kids

    Reading does more than teach your child how to sound out words. It helps them grow in many areas of life:

    • Boosts brain development and language skills
    • Improves focus, memory, and comprehension
    • Encourages creativity and imagination
    • Supports academic success in all subjects
    • Builds empathy and emotional understanding

    Even just 15–20 minutes of reading per day can make a big difference—especially during school breaks. Pairing reading with fun educational apps can keep kids motivated and ready for the next grade level.

    📱 Top Educational Apps That Support Reading & Learning

    Below are some top-rated apps that help support reading and other subjects by age group. All work on tablets and most also work on computers.

    Grade LevelApp NameSubjectsDeviceCost
    Preschool – KindergartenABCmouseReading, math, art, musicTablet & computer$12.99/month (30-day free trial)
    Khan Academy KidsReading, math, social skillsTabletFree
    Grades 1–3StarfallReading, phonics, mathTablet & computer$35/year (some free content)
    Prodigy Math GameMath (supports reading through word problems)Tablet & computerFree basic, premium starts at $6.25/month
    Grades 4–6Adventure AcademyReading, math, science, social studiesTablet & computer$12.99/month
    TypingClubTyping (helps with writing fluency)Computer onlyFree basic, premium from $39/year
    Grades 7–9BrainPOPScience, reading, social studiesTablet & computer$9.99/month
    IXL LearningReading, writing, math, scienceTablet & computerFrom $9.95/month per subject
    Grades 10–12Khan AcademyReading, SAT prep, science, mathTablet & computerFree
    QuizletVocabulary, test prep, all subjectsTablet & computerFree basic, $7.99/month Plus

    ✅ Parent Reading & Learning Checklist

    Use this simple checklist to stay on top of your child’s reading and learning progress throughout the year.

    ✅ Task🕒 Goal📅 How Often?
    Read with or to your child15–30 minutes/dayDaily
    Choose a grade-appropriate reading appBased on age/needsEvery few months
    Track your child’s reading progressUse app dashboards or journalsWeekly
    Visit the library or borrow digital books3–5 new books per monthMonthly
    Mix reading types (fiction, nonfiction, comics)Keep it engagingOngoing
    Encourage your child to read out loudHelps with fluencyA few times per week
    Ask questions after readingBuild comprehension skillsEvery reading session
    Celebrate reading milestonesExample: 10 books readAs goals are reached

    🧠 Final Thoughts

    Reading is the key to learning—and combining it with interactive apps can make education fun and effective. Whether your child is just starting out or preparing for high school exams, creating a simple daily reading routine and using the right tools will help them stay sharp and confident.

    You don’t need fancy programs or expensive tutoring—just a little time, the right resources, and consistency. Bookmark this guide and use the checklist to keep your child on track and ready for the next grade level.

  • Prepare for Success: Academic Summer Preparation for Children of All Grade Levels

    🎵SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER!🎶

    Summer is a fantastic time for children to relax and recharge, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for parents to help their kids prepare for the next school year. By engaging in fun, educational activities tailored to their child’s grade level, parents can ensure a smooth transition and foster a love of learning. Here are some strategies for elementary, middle, and high school students, along with tips on how parents can actively engage with their children and additional resources for further guidance.

    Elementary School (Grades K-5)

    Activities:

    1. Reading Together: Choose age-appropriate books and read with your child for 15 to 30 minutes daily. Discuss the story, ask questions, and encourage them to predict what happens next.
      • Example: For a first grader, read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and discuss the days of the week and counting.
      • Engagement Tip: Read together and take turns reading aloud. Discuss the story and ask questions about the plot and characters to enhance comprehension.
      • Resource: Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
    2. Math Games: Use everyday activities to practice basic math skills. Cooking, shopping, and playing board games can all be educational.
      • Example: While baking cookies, ask your third grader to measure ingredients and calculate quantities if the recipe is doubled or halved.
      • Engagement Tip: Turn math practice into games, like counting coins or playing board games that involve counting, such as “Monopoly Junior.”
      • Resource: Cool Math Games
    3. Science Experiments: Simple, hands-on science experiments can spark curiosity and understanding of basic scientific principles.
      • Example: Create a homemade volcano with baking soda and vinegar with your fifth grader and discuss the chemical reaction.
      • Engagement Tip: Conduct experiments together and discuss the science behind them.
      • Resource: Science Buddies
    4. Writing Practice: Encourage your child to write regularly by keeping a summer journal or writing letters to family members.
      • Example: Have your second grader write a weekly letter to a grandparent, describing their summer activities and adventures.
      • Engagement Tip: Write in a journal alongside your child, sharing entries and discussing them together.
      • Resource: Storybird
    5. Educational Outings: Visits to museums, zoos, and historical sites provide learning experiences outside the classroom.
      • Engagement Tip: Plan and visit these places together, discussing what you see and learn.
      • Resource: Local Museum Directories

    Parental Engagement:

    • Create a Reading Nook: Set up a cozy reading area at home to make reading time special.
    • Math in Daily Life: Involve your child in grocery shopping and let them weigh fruits, compare prices, and calculate totals.
    • Family Science Day: Dedicate a day each week to conduct fun science experiments together.
    • Writing Encouragement: Provide fun writing prompts and respond to their letters or journal entries with encouraging notes.

    Resources:

    Middle School (Grades 6-8)

    Activities:

    1. Reading for Comprehension: Encourage reading books like “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling or “Percy Jackson” series by Rick Riordan.
    2. Writing Projects: Encourage creative writing by starting a summer journal or writing short stories.
      • Example: Ask your sixth grader to write a daily journal entry about their summer adventures and discuss their entries together.
    3. Develop Study Habits:
      • Organization Skills: Teach your child to organize their study space and manage their time effectively using planners or digital calendars.
      • Engagement Tip: Create a family calendar to track everyone’s activities and model good organizational habits.
      • Resource: Bullet Journal Ideas
    4. Problem-Solving: Engage in activities like puzzles or strategy games.
      • Engagement Tip: Play games like chess or Sudoku together and discuss strategies.
      • Resource: BrainBashers

    Parental Engagement:

    • Writing Encouragement: Provide prompts and feedback on their writing projects.
    • STEM Exploration: Work on STEM projects together and discuss the principles behind them.
    • History Adventures: Visit local museums or historical sites to make history come alive.
    • Essay Review: Assist with brainstorming, drafting, and editing essays, offering constructive feedback.

    Resources:

    High School (Grades 9-12)

    Activities:

    1. College Prep: Start preparing for college by researching potential schools, scholarships, and financial aid.
      • Example: Help your tenth grader create a list of colleges they are interested in and visit their websites together.
    2. Advanced Reading: Encourage reading challenging books that will prepare them for higher-level thinking and college entrance exams.
      • Example: Read and discuss “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee with your eleventh grader.
    3. Career Exploration: Investigate potential career paths and set up informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities.
      • Example: Arrange a meeting with a professional in a field your twelfth grader is interested in to learn more about their career.
    4. Writing Practice: Focus on developing advanced writing skills through research papers, college application essays, and creative writing.
      • Example: Assist your eleventh grader in drafting their college application essays, offering feedback and editing suggestions.

    Parental Engagement:

    • College Discussions: Regularly discuss college options, application processes, and deadlines.
    • Book Club: Form a family book club to read and discuss books together about college experiences.
    • Career Guidance: Use your network to help your child explore different careers through job shadowing or internships.

    Resources:

    Learning doesn’t stop when school ends.

    By actively engaging with your children in these activities, you can create a supportive and enriching learning environment at home. Use the summer months to not only prepare them academically but also to strengthen your bond and make learning a fun and integral part of their lives. For more information and tools to implement these activities, explore the recommended books and websites tailored to each grade level.

  • Don’t Sleep on Summer: Amazing Learning Opportunities for High Schoolers

    Summer vacation: a time for relaxation, late nights, and maybe even a bit of boredom. But what if your high school student could use those sunny days to get a head start on college, explore a new passion, or even travel the world? Consider them summer learning programs! These programs offer a fantastic way for high school students to keep their minds engaged, develop valuable skills, and gain a competitive edge.

    Why Choose a Summer Learning Program?

    Summer programs aren’t just about academics (though they can definitely help boost your GPA!). Here are some of the long-term benefits:

    • Exploring interests: Students get to deep dive into a subject they love, whether it’s robotics, creative writing, or marine biology. Many programs offer hands-on learning experiences you won’t find in a traditional classroom setting.
    • Get a taste of college life: Residential college programs gives your student a chance to live on a college campus, take university-level courses, and experience dorm life. This can help you and your student feel more prepared for the transition to college.
    • Build your resume: Stand out from the crowd with unique experiences and achievements. Leadership programs, internships, and research opportunities at universities look fantastic on college applications.
    • Travel and broaden your horizons: Immerse yourself in a new culture through study abroad programs. Learn a language, volunteer in a local community, and gain a global perspective.

    Summer 2024: Gear Up for Learning and Adventure!

    Here are just a few exciting summer programs happening this year (and are offered every year):

    • CIEE High School Summer Abroad (May 20 – August 10): Explore fascinating destinations from Costa Rica to China while taking language courses and participating in cultural excursions. They offer partial and full scholarships. If your student applies before December for Summer 2025, they could get a chance to earn a scholarship plus free travel to their destination and back.
    • Harvard Summer School (June 24 – August 9): Take college-level courses from Harvard faculty and experience the Ivy League life on their historic campus.
    • National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) (Various Dates): Develop leadership skills, network with peers from across the country, and participate in workshops on relevant topics like social justice and entrepreneurship. Dates vary depending on location.
    • Experiment in International Living (Multiple Programs): Travel the globe while volunteering in local communities and learning about different cultures. Programs run throughout the summer.
    • Bank of America Student Leaders Program (June 16 – July 27): This prestigious program offers leadership training, college prep workshops, and internship opportunities for high school juniors.

    Find Your Perfect Program:

    This is just a small sampling of the incredible summer learning opportunities available. There are plenty of programs that closely or fully aligns with your students’ interests and goals. Encourage your student to speak with their guidance counselor, explore program websites, and to not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone! Summer is the perfect time for them to learn, grow, and discover the amazing things they are capable of.