In my opinion, parents have the most important role in their child's education. What parents do at home can really make a difference. Parents also spend more time with their child than any teacher will. Unfortunately, summer can be a time when many students experience some regression in their learning. I believe this "summer slump" can be avoided with activities that won't feel too much like school.
1. Take "field trips."
Summer is a great time for visiting local museums, parks, festivals, etc. If you are able to, it's also a great time to visit nearby historical sites as well. Even a trip to the beach can become educational. If you're unable to travel or live in an area with limited places to visit, any trip can be made education. Talk to your child as you visit the bank or grocery store. Point out things as you drive down the road or take a walk around your neighborhood. It's important to give your child experiences so that they can form ample background knowledge.
2. Visit your local library.
Libraries are a great place to visit during the summer and all year long. Of course, there's the obvious reason that you can borrow books. Many libraries even have e-books that you can borrow now if your child has access to an e-reader. Most libraries also have summer reading programs that your child can participate in. Exposing your child to a variety of books doesn't have to cost you anything and it's so important!
3. Read together and interact with the text.
No matter what age your child is, they're not too old to read with you. Reading a book or book series together as a family can be a great way to make memories. It also allows you to model good reading to your child and it can allow them to be exposed to texts a little above their level which can improve their reading. Don't just read books, though, talk about them as well. Talk about the characters' feelings and motives. Talk about how the characters change and grow. Discuss alternative solutions characters could have taken. Really dig deep because that's what your child is being asked to do at school. It can also be fun to do an activity that relates to the book. If you read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie with your young one, bake cookies together. If you read Holes with your older child, watch the movie afterwards and compare the two. Be creative!
4. Let your child help you with math in real life.
Students often hate word problems, but word problems are realistic. If you're cooking, let your child figure out how many 1/4 cups it would take to make 1 cup or how many cups you'd need if you doubled the recipe. If you're eating out, let your child estimate how much your dinner will cost and if it fits in your budget. If you're grocery shopping, let your child help you figure out which pack of paper towels is the best value. Let them see how math is used in every day life. Let them help you figure out how to solve problems.
5. Research other cultures, current events, etc.
With the World Cup currently going on, it would be the perfect opportunity to pick a country that interests your child and learn more about it or maybe they want to learn about the origins of the World Cup itself. Does your child really like Chinese food? Take a week to learn more about Chinese culture. This can include reading about the culture, eating food of that culture, doing crafts from that culture; or if you're luck enough to live in an area where this is possible, attend festivals about that culture or visit with people of a different culture. As it's age appropriate, you can also discuss current events with your child. #6 will give you some suggestions of kid appropriate websites to learn about current events. The reasoning behind this is similar to #1. It will help your child if they have exposure to a variety of things.
6. Have productive computer time.
Every child loves to get on the computer, but there's better things they can be doing than playing games. The first site is one of my favorites. Kids are very curious and this website goes right along with that. Wonderopolis has a new "wonder" each day. There's always a video and an article to accompany it. There are also words to know from the article, suggestions of other things to do to learn more about this subject, and a link to more information. You can search the more than 500 wonders to find something that interests your child. Time for Kids is like an online newspaper for kids. It has current events, sports, pop culture, entertainment, etc. articles geared towards kids. Scholastic News is similar, but not as good as Time for Kinds, in my opinion. XtraMath is a research based intervention site where students can practice all 4 basic operations. You do have to sign up for a parent account, but it's completely free. Starfall is a great site for younger kids who are still learning how to read. Another useful site is Dance Mat Typing where students of all ages can practice the important skill of typing. Many of the sites your child uses in school should also still be available to them over the summer.
7. Use technology to communicate.
Technology is an important part of our daily lives. Think of how much that is only going to increase as your child grows up. They need to know how to use technology for more than watching videos and playing games. Are they trying to convince you they need a cell phone, video game system, dog, or anything else? Let them persuade you with a PowerPoint or Prezi. Do they have family or friends that live far away? If you're comfortable, let them start a blog that they can update with what's going on in their lives. You can even make the blog private where only the people you select can see it. Does your child like to make up stories? Encourage them to type their stories out and save them. Does someone have a birthday or other type of party coming up? Let your child create an invitation on the computer.
8. Let your child help you with reading in real life.
Think of all the things you read on a daily basis besides a book. While reading books can be a lot of fun, having good reading skills goes beyond book reading. When you go to a restaurant, let your child read the menu to decide what they want. If you get a new game, gadget, or something that needs putting together, let your child read the instructions and help. When you're driving, encourage them to help you read road signs to find your way. Let them see how you use reading in your every day life.
9. Play board games together.
Board games are great for teaching life skills like taking turns, working in teams, and being good winners or losers. They also can be great for a child's education. Most games require number sense. Many involve counting out and dealing with money. Games for younger children require them to know colors or shapes. Many games involve math skills, such as coordinate planes for playing Battleship. Trivia games will help your child's comprehension skills. Not only are games fun and educational, but it can be another great way to make memories as a family.
10. Turn off the TV, computer, and other electronic devices and PLAY!
This one may sound like it doesn't fit on this list, but I'm afraid that imaginative play is become a more and more scarce activity for children. Children of all ages need to use their imagination. Put on a play or puppet show. Build a tent or fort in the living room or back yard. Let your child play school, house, or doctor. Let them build a city for their action figures or Barbie dolls. We'd probably be amazed at how many life and educational skills a child can learn and use just by letting them play.
*The idea for this post came from Personal Creations. They are trying to encourage parents to work with their children during the summer to keep them sharp.*
What are some things you do with your child to encourage their continued learning?
*Linking up at List It Tuesday*
