Summer learning activities for your kids can help avoid the summer learning loss that happens when your kids are not engaged in daily educational activities. Don’t let your kids fall victim to summer learning loss, having to play catch-up when school resumes in the fall. Create some educational and fun activities to keep your kids learning and growing throughout the summer. Here are some ideas to help you.
1. Celebrate what they have accomplished.
Your kids worked hard through the school year. Their accomplishments should not be taken lightly. Celebrate all their accomplishments, and not just the fact that they are moving on to a new grade level. Celebrate the big ones and the “small” ones. Looking back on what they have accomplished will show them you recognize their work and all they did. It will also encourage them to want to keep going.
2. Set goals.
Once you’ve taken a look back, it is time to look forward. What do your kids want to accomplish the following year? How do you want to challenge them to grow? Did they struggle in a particular area and want to improve? Setting goals will provide direction for your kids’ summer enrichment activities. It will help you sift and sort the many options available to them.
3. Gather your resources.
Most local newspapers and free grocery store publications will have lists of summer programs for kids. Many times they are free or community-funded. Find the local resources in your area and begin to highlight potential programs that can help meet the goals you and your kids have set for their summer learning.
4. Learn to have fun.
Remember this is summer. Fun in the sun. If the summer activities are not fun for your kids, you may have a battle on your hands. Find activities and programs your kids will enjoy. Most summer programs understand the kids want to have fun (while learning), and are created with this in mind.
Don’t be afraid to switch gears, or programs, if your kids are not enjoying it. If they thought science camp was going to be the best summer event ever, but found out just the opposite, don’t force it on them. If you have invested money, there may be a compromise you can work out with your kids. Overall, learning can be fun, and should be fun, especially during summer.
