Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for the MKAS This Summer

Summer is here. The kids are now out of school, and it means fun and adventure. However, you don’t want to waste these precious months. And, you certainly don’t want your third-grade
child going back to school unprepared especially with the MKAS looming. So, what are some things that you can do this summer to help prepare your child for third grade without destroying the joys of
summer. Then, continue reading this post.

Sight Words Games
Sight words are where it is at. Help your child identify words that are bound to be on their MKAS test along with other commonly used words for third grade. I would suggest searching to find a list
of the words for second, third, and fourth grades. Once you have found the lists, combine them. Then, divide them up by weeks. One list for each week of summer vacation. Next, turn those words into
fun games that your third grader can play. There are a variety of different games that you can create or
Purchase. There are also some apps that you can use to help your child with sight words.

Vocabulary
Like sight words, vocabulary words are important to the success of your third grader. A good vocabulary will help to increase your child’s reading comprehension and overall communication skills. Here are some ways to help your child with vocabulary this summer.
Make it Fun!

Use vocabulary games to help make it fun for your child to learn this summer. You can start by researching appropriate vocabulary words for your child’s grade. Compile a list of words about two grades below third grade. Then, collect another list of words that go at least one grade up. Next, transform these into a fun game. You can easily create one of the following vocabulary games:
Crossword Puzzles

There are several programs that you can use to create crossword puzzles. Crossword puzzles consist of a grid that is filled in with words. These puzzles provide the user with clues to help them solve the puzzle.
Word Bingo

Bingo is an oldie but goodie that you can use this summer to help get your kids ready for the MKAS. I like to create simple bingo boards that have a list of words on them. Then, I read off the definitions. The trick is to match the correct word with the correct definition in order to create a “Bingo”.
Word Memory

This memory card game is one where your child would have to match pairs of words with their meanings.
A Vocabulary Journal can be used to help your child learn new vocabulary words. Have your child begin to keep a list of unknown words that he comes across while reading this summer. Once he has compiled a list of words, the definitions should be added. These words and definitions should be reviewed
on a regular basis to ensure that your child learns them.
Context Clues
Have your child become a detective this summer using context clues. What are context clues? Context clues are hints that the author gives within the surrounding text that assist readers in deciphering the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
Helping your child learn how to use context clues will help him perform better on the MKAS. Many of the answers to questions on the test are not outright stated. Instead, the reader must use the clues in the text to help them determine the correct answer.
How can you use context clues this summer? Check out websites such as TpT that sell worksheets and games. These games will help to teach your child how to use context clues. TpT has a large selection of free worksheets that can easily be downloaded and used this summer.
Main Idea
One of the key components of the MKAS test is identifying the main or central idea of a text. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to reinforce this vital reading comprehension skill. What is meant by “the main idea of a text?” The main idea is what the entire text was about. The following are some activities that
you can do together to help them better identify the central idea:
Read Together

Pick out a book to read with your child. And, although it is advised to choose one that is age-appropriate, any book that your child is interested in can be used for this activity. Once you have found the book or article, read it together. After reading, discuss what the story or passage was about. Ask your child what he thinks the main idea is.
Practice Summarizing
Ask your child to summarize the key points of the story or passage in his own words after reading. Once your child summarizes the points, then explain to him that these main points are part of the central idea.
Use the News
Current Events are a great opportunity to teach your child about main idea. You can either take the headlines straight from your local news or you can choose a news article to read and discuss. While you are discussing the article or event with your child, allow them to express their opinion about the article. And, ask them to explain what they think the main idea is.
Story Retelling
After reading a story together, ask your child to retell the story in his own words. Tell him to only concentrate on the key points of the text.
Highlighting the Key Points
While reading, have your child to highlight all the key points. Be sure to have a highlighter or crayon
to use.
Teachable Moments
Every moment can be a teachable moment. Use those moments a the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, at the bank, or event at the family reunion this summer to help your child better understand
the questions that he may be asked on the state assessment. Ask him questions about what the key points of a situations are. Ask him to summarize his day. Have him relate the events of his day to
something that he has read. Make these real-life situations into teachable moments.
Hands-On Activities
Get your hands on some hands-on activities. People learn in different ways, and your child isn’t any different. Don’t just use one style of teaching. And, no matter which style he like best, hands-on activities are a must. This is a great time to do those science experiments and construction activities. While your
kiddo is conducting experiments and other activities, have him write down what he learns. Ask him questions about main idea. Have him justify his responses.

It may be summer, but this is the prime time to begin getting your child prepared for the third grade MKAS. Make sure to practice finding the main idea and summarizing along with using context clues with your child.