By Morgan Griffith, Center director, Federal Way Sylvan Learning Center

Less than a month to go until school is out. For students, teachers and parents alike, the last weeks of school can be both exciting and challenging.

So, how do you ensure your child is ready to tackle the next grade? The end of the school year is really a time to prepare for transition — the transition from one grade to another, but also the transition from in-classroom learning to the continuous learning that takes place outside of school.

At this time of year, parents should focus on three areas: Helping your child make the most of the final weeks of school, knowing what the next grade level will bring, and looking for ways to inspire learning during the summer break.

• Make the most of the final weeks of school. You can help your children review by asking them to show you what they’ve learned or by working through homework problems together. Schedule a final meeting with your child’s teacher. Identify successes and challenges. Help your child stay motivated about school so they gain the full benefit of their final days in the classroom by putting a reward system in place.

• Know what the next grade level will bring. Speak to your child’s teacher or a teacher in the next grade about the upcoming curriculum. Ask about new subjects and changes in focus. For example, in fourth grade, students usually begin to “read to learn” rather than “learn to read.” If your third grade student is struggling with her reading, this summer would be a good time to focus on improving reading skills. If the next year will mean a change in schools, such as entering high school, take advantage of orientation sessions where you and your child can learn more about the new school.

• Let your kids be kids. The best learning occurs when children don’t realize they’re learning. Parents can design summer vacation activities that are both fun and educational. For example: If you know your child will be studying history next year, visit local historical sites, or borrow historical books and/or novels from your local library.

• Continue reading throughout the summer.

• Develop writing skills by writing or emailing pen pals.

• Demonstrate the value of continuous learning by showing how you read on a regular basis, develop new skills for a job, or learn a new hobby or sport.

Morgan Griffith is the center director at the Federal Way Sylvan Learning Center, 32717 1st Ave. S.: (253) 838-0507.