Here's how you can help at home......
1. Read with your child and have a conversation....
Look up a brief summary of what they are reading...
http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/CommonCoreLibrary/ForFamilies/default.htm Look at the guides on the new CCLS shift by grade.
barnesandnobles.com Check out what your child is reading and have a conversation..... For example: Ask what is the setting? How do you think that influences the plot? Make a prediction: What do you think will happen next? Why do you think this will happen ( have your child cite ( or quote) evidence from the text)
Look up current events articles and informational text and have a discussion....
http://www.timeforkids.com/news Discuss some current events with your son or daughter? Example: What is the electoral college? Does your vote count?- Have your child cite (reference or quote) the article in the discussion to support their claim.
2. Practice at home with your child in your spare time on any of these sites....
Read Around the Planet (RAP)
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ - online writing lab
http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/tools/english-hs.html High school
http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/tools/english-ms.html Middle school
http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm Grammer bytes!
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/677/01/ Grades 7-12
Chartle - easily create and share charts.
Blabberize - make your images talk!
Wordle - Create a beautiful aggregation of any amount of text
Readability - a simple tool that makes reading on the web more enjoyable by removing the clutter and ads around what you're reading
Timetoast Timelines - easily create and share timelines over the web
Vark - type in your question and it is relayed to the collective group for answers
Aviary - edit images, create mind-blowing effects, design logos, find colors, collaborate, and more
Do Ink - create animations and download them to use anywherw
Edistorm - a web tool that bridges the gap between taking notes and making mind maps
Draw Function Graphs - if you need a great math graph drawn, this website will do it for you
Museum Box - tools for teachers and students to build up a description of a person, place, or historical event by placing items in a virtual box
Wordia - create your own videos of different vocabulary words or view the videos of others
Voki - is a free service that allows you to create personalized speaking avatars and use them on your blog, profile, and in email messages.
sentence completion http://www.vusd.k12.ca.us/vhs/resource/sat/sentcomp_quiz1.html