Time and money may be a factor in the summer activities your kids do. Although it can be a factor, it doesn’t have to shut the summer activities and learning down completely. Here is a list of activities that are free, inexpensive, or can be done at home.
1. Get to know your library.
The library has become one of the best “friends” of our family. To me, the library brings that kid in a candy store feeling. I love it! Your kids will too. In addition to all the books, libraries often offer many free programs. The summer reading program is one of our favorites and an annual tradition.
2. Home Jeopardy.
Your kids studied a lot of different subjects and learned many facts. Create a homemade Jeopardy board game using a tri-fold presentation board (like the boards used for Science Fair projects). List 7-10 subjects. Write 7-10 facts for each subject on index cards or blank business cards. Create small pockets for each fact, using construction paper (folded and stapled). Glue the pockets on your board similar to the Jeopardy board. This will make a great family game night and your kids will have fun reviewing what they learned the past year.
3. Become the teacher.
This is best for teens, and especially for teens with younger siblings. Take the first week or two and ask your teenage kids to create a summer curriculum for their younger siblings. Just like a summer camp, complete with lunch and snack schedules, physical activities, field trips, and projects. Their “job” is to run the camp with your support, as needed. Information is better retained when taught to someone else. After the summer, it can be included in your child’s portfolio to help with future job and school applications.
4. Take an online class.
A quick Google search will return many learning opportunities online—computer programing, typing, and math. Find an online class, or classes, where your kids can sharpen their skills in a weaker subject, or challenge them to learn something new. Many of these classes are free, or offered for a small fee.
5. Document your experiences.
Encourage your kids to document all they’ve done through the summer. Journaling, scrapbooking, video diaries, blogging (for older kids), capturing photos. This will hone their writing skills, critical thinking, and creativity.
It is important to be a lifelong learner because _____________. I say this because _____________.”