If you're planning on taking a summer break, consider using one of these daily skill review books from Bob Jones University Press. By keeping up on skills in the summer, your children will be able to bypass the review built in to the beginning of every grade-level text. Even if you aren't using a textbook-based curriculum, the daily practice will keep them sharp. Meant to be used over a ten-week "vacation", each week consists of five 2-page review pages concentrating primarily on language (including writing), math, and reading skills. All work is designed to be done independently by your child in just 15 minutes/day. Every 2-page spread is divided into (usually) four "stations" your child will visit that day. Generally two of them are in the math area and two in language arts. Math stations are "Fact Harbor" (review of math facts), "Math Junction" (computational and place-value skills), and "Math Beacon" (review of various other math concepts). Language stations consistent to all levels are: "Reading Outpost" (practice reading concepts), "Language Lodge" (phonics in K-1 level, then grammar and sentence construction). The K-1 grade level also includes "Phonics Wayside" (reviews phonics and word analysis skills) and "General Store" which is not really a language station, but emphasizes other basic knowledge such as sequencing, opposites, time of day, classification, discrimination, etc. In Level 1-2 on, "Phonics Wayside" becomes "Word Wayside" (reviewing phonics and word analysis skills) and a "Writer's Nook" (writing opportunity) is added to the mix. From Level 2-3 on, an "Editor's Lookout" (proofreading skills) station is included. Every level also includes a "Station Break" page at the end of each week that is more of a fun activity. These vary and include artistic endeavors, puzzles, mazes, thinking skills, etc. Books are all printed in full color and revolve around a different "expedition" theme. Complete answer keys included.
