Elementary
Pre-K
The first step to going to college is to say out loud: “I AM GOING TO COLLEGE!”
- Read aloud to your child daily
- Help them discover the joy of reading at an early age, because providing children with an early literature-enriched environment can lead to greater academic success in the future.
- Prepare your child for kindergarten. Education should begin in the home, so find ways to make everyday activities an opportunity for learning
- The Nevada Department of Education has developed the Nevada Pre-K Standards as guidelines to describe the level at which children entering kindergarten should be. Use these family guidebooks and the activity ideas inside to help your child prepare for kindergarten and get them on track to be prepared to go to college.
- Nevada Pre-K Standards
- Practice good manners
- Open a college savings account: https://gotocollege.nevada.edu/paying-for-college/nevada-savings-plans/
Kindergarten
Say out loud: “I am going to college.”
- Help your child become a reader
- Watch this video brought to you by Hampton Primary school on how to read with your child.
- Sign up for a public library card
- Explore the many stories awaiting for you and your child to read at your nearest library.
- Follow the link below to a list of great books for your child recommended by the Great School Staff. Then head to your local library!
- Help your child learn and love math
- The following brochure talks about ways to ensure your child succeeds in math, Helping your child learn mathematics.
- Engage in problem solving activities
1st Grade
Say out loud: “I am going to college.”
- Develop positive study habits
- Parents should take an interest in the homework that their children bring home and find the most effective ways to help them with assignments
- Look to this brochure for more tips, Helping your Child with Homework.
- Set rewards for good behavior and good grades
- For interactive activities on math and reading visit Adapted Mind for fun lessons to do with your child 1st-8th grade. Another great resource is Khan Academy which posts several learning videos: https://www.khanacademy.org/
- It’s never too early to start saving for college. Start a college savings plan,
2nd Grade
Say out loud: “I am going to college.”
- Read, read, read – everyday!
- Follow the link again to get age/grade appropriate books for your child recommended by the Great School Staff.
- Engage in problem solving activities
- Learn about family or community members who have gone to college
- Some colleges have programs that run during school breaks, this is a great way to familiarize your child with a local college
3rd Grade
Say out loud: “I am going to college.”
- Explore careers and the type of education needed for particular careers
- Learn more about all the colleges and universities in Nevada
- Attend school every day
- Continue to read for fun!
- Stay on top of math work!
4th Grade
Say out loud: “I am going to college.”
- Encourage children to ask adults they come in contact with where they went to school and about their career
- The following is a fun interview activity your child can do.
- Maintain healthy study habits
- Increase creative writing skills
5th Grade
Say out loud: “I am going to college.”
- Make a family trip to see a college campus. Let your children see it’s a fun place… check out the library, bookstore, student union, etc. Start with a campus that is close to home
- Create a college vision board to motivate your child to go to college
- Schedule a on-campus visit by contacting the admissions office of the school that you’d like to visit
- Take this scavenger hunt worksheet with you for a fun activity while on campus
- Engage in athletics, community service, and other extracurricular activities
- Participate in yearly science fairs
- Take advantage of after school homework help programs
- Continue to save for college by adding to your College Saving Plan