Reinforce those first grade "conventions" of writing by having your child make these decorative place cards for the Thanksgiving table.

Sure, you can go out and buy a box of Valentine cards--but for a special message try this simple craft activity to make someone's day.

First graders need to read, read, read and write, write, write! Here is a way to cover both, and keep in touch with a faraway friend or relative while you're at it.

For a great autumn activity, try creating homemade seed packets with your child. It will combine your child's love for science and the outdoors with a little writing and drawing fun.

Okay, so your first grader is way too little to carve a turkey. But that doesn't mean he can't help! Put him--and a sibling or cousin or two--to work on this gorgeous laminated centerpiece. And guess what? You'll be helping him develop his best kid handwriting, too.

Help your child practice new writing and math skills with a fun outdoor activity that will have your child teaching you! By using watercolor paints to practice writing letters, sentences, and math problems, your child will practice essential first grade skills in his "Sidewalk School."

Help your child make an imaginative scene come to life by designing and detailing a diorama. Your child will be practicing two and three dimensional thinking, plus the essential language arts skill of constructing a narrative!

Celebrate Labor Day and give your child a jump start on the school year by taking a walk through your neighborhood and talking about the different jobs that people do, then showing him how to make his very own "career book."

First graders will get a kick out of creating a written message and practicing their letters using sticks they find in nature. This also helps to practice their letter formation and handwriting strokes.

Take a nature walk in your backyard or local park to find one object for every letter of the alphabet. Your child will be loving the outdoors while practicing her science, reading, and writing skills.