Take kids' summer learning into your own hands

DEAR DR. FOURNIER: My son is in public school, and his fifth-grade teacher did not assign any summer work. While my son is delighted, I have concerns that this may put him at a disadvantage. Many of our friends' children are in private schools, and their children have in-depth assignments during the summer break. They read three to five books and then answer packets of questions. In math, some are required to practice problems on computer programs or on worksheets. I have dreams for my child just like parents who can afford private school. Will my son always have less than everyone else because I can't afford more?

ASSESSMENT: The fact that you are concerned about your child's education puts you a step ahead of many parents who believe their children are receiving a "top-notch" education. Do you really want your child to have a one-size-fits-all education that merely doles out assignments to keep students busy during the summer? Many of these assignments are really for parents, so they feel they are getting a healthy return on their investment.

You don't have to send your son to a private school to get him a quality education. Consider the thousands of parents who homeschool their children in this country, believing this gives their children more hope than public and private schools. While homeschooling is not the answer for everyone, these parents understand one important fact: We can no longer allow the schools -- public or private -- to define education by antiquated, outdated standards.

The fact that you are aware of the disparity in our educational system means you are way ahead of the bureaucracy that so many parents follow. You have taken the first step by becoming actively involved in your son's education and refusing to blindly accept what the education elite tells you. Continue your efforts, and your son will reap the benefits.

WHAT TO DO: Because your son's teacher didn't assign any summer work, use the free time to teach him yourself. I would use this time to improve his communication skills through reading, writing and vocabulary words because these are the fundamental building blocks of education. Take your son to the library or bookstore and help him choose an age-appropriate book on a subject matter he enjoys. Allow him to have ownership and input in the process.

After he reads the book, have your son write a synopsis in his own words. When it is evident that he understands the content, ask him to write his own story using the same characters or subject matter. Talk to him about his idea and allow him to explore his creativity through the writing assignment.

Finally, teach your son vocabulary. This is one of the most overlooked skills in education. It is never enough to think great thoughts; you must be able to express yourself for your ideas to come to fruition. With an increased vocabulary, a person has a greater capacity and opportunity to comprehend, think abstractly and question.

Choose three words each week. Have your child define them and then find associated words -- synonyms or antonyms. He can draw pictures of these words to show their different meanings. Once he understands them, he can use them in the stories he writes from his reading assignments.

You are in charge of your child's education. Help your child develop unique thoughts by exploring the words by which he will communicate his contribution to the world. The true cost of an education isn't measured by financial cost, but by time and effort you invest in leaning and not just doing of an assignment.

(Write Dr. Yvonne Fournier, Fournier Learning Strategies Inc., 5900 Poplar, Memphis, Tenn. 38119. E-mail her at drfournier(at)hfhw.net.)