August
Many children start back to school in August. Here are some ideas for making this month fun while getting ready for school.
Fun Food
Check back soon for a fun back-to-school food.
Incentive Chart
Use this incentive chart to track progress towards a goal. You can use it for anything you like.
1. Decide on a goal. What do you want your child to work on? Reading books? Sharing with others? Potty training? Memorizing Scriptures? Pick one specific thing you want to see improved.
2. Decide how you want to fill in the squares on the chart. You can laminate the chart or put it in a protective sleeve if you want to be able to wipe it off and use it again. You can use stamps, stickers, check marks, or any other "marker" you want to use.
3. Determine a reward. What motivates your child? Candy? Time on an electronic device? Time for crafts? Whatever your child loves to do the most will be a great incentive. Pick a reward that is affordable and won't be unhealthy (like a couple candies instead of a whole pack).
4. Determine how frequently the reward will be given. Is the reward given when one row is finished? Or when the whole page is complete? Print out the chart. Use brightly colored paper if desired.
5. Explain the new plan to your child. For example, "Mark, look at this fun page. You know I have been talking with you about reading more books. This month, whenever you read a new book by yourself, you can put a sticker in the square. When each row is full, we can go to the library and get new books. When the entire page is full, we can go to Half Price Books (discount book store) and pick out a new book for your personal library." This is just an example and would only be motivating to a child who likes to read but isn't really into it during the summer, or some similar situation.
6. Let your child color and decorate the incentive chart.
7. Post it in a convenient location with the markers/stickers/stamps nearby.
8. Be consistent and have fun!
1. Decide on a goal. What do you want your child to work on? Reading books? Sharing with others? Potty training? Memorizing Scriptures? Pick one specific thing you want to see improved.
2. Decide how you want to fill in the squares on the chart. You can laminate the chart or put it in a protective sleeve if you want to be able to wipe it off and use it again. You can use stamps, stickers, check marks, or any other "marker" you want to use.
3. Determine a reward. What motivates your child? Candy? Time on an electronic device? Time for crafts? Whatever your child loves to do the most will be a great incentive. Pick a reward that is affordable and won't be unhealthy (like a couple candies instead of a whole pack).
4. Determine how frequently the reward will be given. Is the reward given when one row is finished? Or when the whole page is complete? Print out the chart. Use brightly colored paper if desired.
5. Explain the new plan to your child. For example, "Mark, look at this fun page. You know I have been talking with you about reading more books. This month, whenever you read a new book by yourself, you can put a sticker in the square. When each row is full, we can go to the library and get new books. When the entire page is full, we can go to Half Price Books (discount book store) and pick out a new book for your personal library." This is just an example and would only be motivating to a child who likes to read but isn't really into it during the summer, or some similar situation.
6. Let your child color and decorate the incentive chart.
7. Post it in a convenient location with the markers/stickers/stamps nearby.
8. Be consistent and have fun!
|
School Supply Bingo
Shopping for school supplies can be challenging, especially when there are lots of crowds or hard-to-find items. One way to make it more fun is by playing School Supply Bingo. When you head out to shop for school supplies, print out one board per child and take one crayon per child, too. You also need a pencil to write the items from your school supply list on the board.
1. Write the supplies you need on the board, one in each square.
2. When you get the item, cross it off or color in the square.
3. When the board is completely marked off or colored, the game is over. You might want to get a treat, like a piece of candy or a drink for a reward.
1. Write the supplies you need on the board, one in each square.
2. When you get the item, cross it off or color in the square.
3. When the board is completely marked off or colored, the game is over. You might want to get a treat, like a piece of candy or a drink for a reward.
|
When You Walk By The Way...
Deuteronomy 6 tells us teach our children to fear the Lord, to keep His commands, and to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. Every day we should look for opportunities to point our children to God. This month, we can focus on being witness for Christ in our schools, work, and friendships. It is important to remember that, whatever we do and wherever we go, we are showing other people what it is like to live for Jesus. We want to do a good job. When we love others and let the light of Jesus shine in us, we show Jesus to others. When you shop for new clothes or school supplies, we you visit a school or make plans for the school year, talk about this verses with you children. Pray with your children that they will let their light shine at school. Pray that they will be witnesses of the love of Jesus to a dark world.
A great verse to focus on is John 13:35 (NASB) - By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Another verse is Matthew 5:16 (NASB) - Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
A great verse to focus on is John 13:35 (NASB) - By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Another verse is Matthew 5:16 (NASB) - Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.