Plan Now for Summer Learning

Posted by SFleming on May 17, 2010

Only a few more weeks of school in many areas, so now is the time to plan for summer learning opportunities.  Teachers the world over know that the extended vacation over summer might be fun, but it’s downright damaging to many kids’ academic progress.  Don’t let your child lose ground this summer!  Keep learning alive by turning on the brain power for a little while each day.  Here’s how:

1. Take play to the next level. Most play activities are really learning activities in disguise.  Board games use a host of math and reading skills.  Cooking can lead to science experiments.  Even watching a movie can be paired with reading the book of the same name.  At least once each day this summer, help your child make academic connections and use reading, math, science and social studies skills related to recreational activities.
2. Set aside some daily work time. Each day, plan thirty to sixty minutes of review time.  You can use a commercial workbook or two that cover areas of weakness, or grab one of the titles that reviews the previous grade material or previews academics coming up next fall.  You also can design your own program.  The internet is filled with great educational activities that you can cobble together to keep your child entertained as well as academically fresh.
3. Read and respond to books. Make sure at least part of each day is spent with a good book.  If your school does not offer an age-appropriate reading list, check with your local librarian or bookstore worker for title suggestions.  Many libraries and bookstores also try to encourage reading by offering prizes or even free books in exchange for completed reading logs from kids and youth.  And don’t stop with simply reading the books!  At least half of the time, find a way for your child to respond to what has been read.  This can be a traditional book report, a multi-media presentation, a poster, a discussion, a book review, a diary that a character might’ve written, a play or skit, or any other method of having the student recall and analyze the text.
4. Build logic and planning skills. Very few families don’t take any trips or outings at all during the summer.  Your child will exercise brain power if you put him or her in charge of planning all or part of the excursion.  Young children can plan and pack for picnics.  Older kids can use maps to choose routes to destinations, calculate gas mileage and make a budget.  Not only will you be keeping the brain exercised and active, but you will be nurturing important life skills.
5. Take advantage of summer programming. You’re not alone in this endeavor.  Countless organizations around the country want to help you exercise your child’s brain.  Many programs are free or low-cost, and designed with parental convenience in mind.  Check libraries for summer reading program events.  The bookstores often offer programs for children.  Hobby stores generally host craft classes.  The local parks department, YM or YWCA, and other civic organizations run day camps.  Scouting programs abound.  Community colleges and museums host summer events.  Check your community calendar and local bulletin boards for more ideas.

This list just scratches the surface.  It’s really not hard to prevent your child from vegging in front of the television or computer for three months.  Just a few activities each day can make a world of difference when school rolls around again in the fall.