Best at-home summer enrichment for writing and math (2nd grade)

[Anonymous]

My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

[Anonymous]

I really like Singapore math workbooks. They follow the school curriculum really closely so they seem familiar to my kids. And I like having my kids doing math on paper, rather than a screen.

For writing, we read The Faraway Tree and my kid wrote about her own worlds and drew pictures to make her own fan fiction book. It was a fun project.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like for writing you are looking for something like Illustory from Lakeshore Learning (there are other options out there too): https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/ca/p/SUU3000/?srsltid=AfmBOooYknz-WQMgJ2wl6irgrdQurHEeTzeoFMQwubXrrnBD8oI0ko8n6QY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

[Anonymous]

Play games with your kids. I know it is a stereotype but the kids I know who are forced to take enrichment classes end up hating math.

We play a family game together most nights during the week. The kids have to use logic skills and are practicing their math fluency skills. Our current favorites are Zeus on the Loose, Sleeping Queens, Clue and Out Foxed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Play games with your kids. I know it is a stereotype but the kids I know who are forced to take enrichment classes end up hating math.

We play a family game together most nights during the week. The kids have to use logic skills and are practicing their math fluency skills. Our current favorites are Zeus on the Loose, Sleeping Queens, Clue and Out Foxed.

You should add Rat-a-tat-Cat to your rotation if you haven't already. Prime Climb is good once your kids can multiply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really like Singapore math workbooks. They follow the school curriculum really closely so they seem familiar to my kids. And I like having my kids doing math on paper, rather than a screen.

For writing, we read The Faraway Tree and my kid wrote about her own worlds and drew pictures to make her own fan fiction book. It was a fun project.

Thank you, these are great suggestions especially The Faraway Tree -- that sounds perfect!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

Maybe I'll just buy one of the puzzle books. I felt the workbooks were overkill and on the pricy side. I regretted buying the full 1st grade set because it turned out she barely used the first two books and they are like $30 each. The puzzles could be fun though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Play games with your kids. I know it is a stereotype but the kids I know who are forced to take enrichment classes end up hating math.

We play a family game together most nights during the week. The kids have to use logic skills and are practicing their math fluency skills. Our current favorites are Zeus on the Loose, Sleeping Queens, Clue and Out Foxed.

You should add Rat-a-tat-Cat to your rotation if you haven't already. Prime Climb is good once your kids can multiply.

Thank you both for these suggestions. Our family loves games and puzzles. We have out Foxed and Clue but will look at the others.

Another good one is Set, which is great for learning to identify patterns easily. It takes a little bit of time to acclimate to the rules (we played a simpler, easier version for a while) but then it's a really fun game where kids and adults can be pretty equally matched. It also travels really well.

[Anonymous]

writing a play or a story is great. We have these prompt cards and my kids make up stories to work with them.
Or get her a journal and have her walk around the yard/park and write a nature journal, like observations of the same spot and see how it changes, what insects she sees.
https://www.amazon.com/eeBoo-Create-Story-Animal-Village/dp/B005G4OXBW/ref=asc_df_B005G4OXBW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693127141877&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=366466962205819427&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007528&hvtargid=pla-441152265784&psc=1&mcid=1813fa7324593ca9a8a893c20d1d6b17&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS3-BU0LA0l1qRg9Aj13pfOUWd36gQDSLsEqC3H1w54phwsJ5Ev6bEj8aAqAgEALw_wcB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

Maybe I'll just buy one of the puzzle books. I felt the workbooks were overkill and on the pricy side. I regretted buying the full 1st grade set because it turned out she barely used the first two books and they are like $30 each. The puzzles could be fun though.

I’m not a fan of BA either—overpriced and there are much better books out tgere. BA/aops marketers think dcum is one of their target audiences and are always haunting this site.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

Maybe I'll just buy one of the puzzle books. I felt the workbooks were overkill and on the pricy side. I regretted buying the full 1st grade set because it turned out she barely used the first two books and they are like $30 each. The puzzles could be fun though.

I’m not a fan of BA either—overpriced and there are much better books out tgere. BA/aops marketers think dcum is one of their target audiences and are always haunting this site.

I doubt it. AoPS trains the math olympiads. Beast Academy's level one is easier than its higher levels. it does not repeat anything taught in school. In fact, it goes much deeper than any math curriculum my child received even in their gifted program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

Maybe I'll just buy one of the puzzle books. I felt the workbooks were overkill and on the pricy side. I regretted buying the full 1st grade set because it turned out she barely used the first two books and they are like $30 each. The puzzles could be fun though.

I’m not a fan of BA either—overpriced and there are much better books out tgere. BA/aops marketers think dcum is one of their target audiences and are always haunting this site.

I doubt it. AoPS trains the math olympiads. Beast Academy's level one is easier than its higher levels. it does not repeat anything taught in school. In fact, it goes much deeper than any math curriculum my child received even in their gifted program.

What does this mean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

Maybe I'll just buy one of the puzzle books. I felt the workbooks were overkill and on the pricy side. I regretted buying the full 1st grade set because it turned out she barely used the first two books and they are like $30 each. The puzzles could be fun though.

I’m not a fan of BA either—overpriced and there are much better books out tgere. BA/aops marketers think dcum is one of their target audiences and are always haunting this site.

I'm the poster who recommended staying with BA if her DD likes it. I agree they are expensive, but have not found something I like better. Singapore and Evan Moor are ok, but do not have a lot of creative and novel problems like BA does. What do you recommend that is comparable to BA but not as expensive? RSM for some reason doesn't make workbooks available to the general public, and I don't live close enough to a center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid really loves math and writing but does not get enough of a challenge in school in math, and not enough opportunities to write. I thought it would be nice to get some at-home supplements for the summer (for her to do optionally, I'm not forcing her to sit down and do worksheets) that would give her a chance to expand her math knowledge and practice writing.

Anyone know of any *fun* supplements for this? We do have some Beast Academy books and she does like the characters and stories, but she's done with the 1st grade ones and I am debating buying the next level, as they are pricy and while she likes them, they may just be too similar to what she does at school?

And no idea how to incorporate writing opportunities. She's a voracious reader with a good vocabulary for a 1st grader (not a great speller though, but improving). I was thinking some kind of project where she can write her own book would be cool -- maybe a guided project where she creates the pictures and the story and then puts it into a bound book? I think she'd love this but no idea where to find something like this.

If anyone has suggestions, please share! She's got camp and swimming this summer, so just looking for something she might enjoy doing on rainy days or on weekends to balance things out. Not some intensive program.

The beast academy series goes more in depth and has puzzly type questions that kids don't get exposed to in school. I would keep with it if your DD likes it. It only gets better!

Maybe I'll just buy one of the puzzle books. I felt the workbooks were overkill and on the pricy side. I regretted buying the full 1st grade set because it turned out she barely used the first two books and they are like $30 each. The puzzles could be fun though.

I’m not a fan of BA either—overpriced and there are much better books out tgere. BA/aops marketers think dcum is one of their target audiences and are always haunting this site.

I doubt it. AoPS trains the math olympiads. Beast Academy's level one is easier than its higher levels. it does not repeat anything taught in school. In fact, it goes much deeper than any math curriculum my child received even in their gifted program.

What does this mean?

AoPS offers math olympiad training courses and pretty much every US olympiad in recent times has taken some classes through AoPS. It's a solid company. (Solid for now at least. If they ever sell it a private equity firm or some gawdawful ed-tech or media conglomerate, it will go to sh** like some of the old test prep companies did.)