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Learning activities for the summer should happen. How they should look will be as different as each child is different. I break this into three categories: Your child is bright and did ok in school. They don’t feel challenged at school. Summer is a good time to help challenge your child with activities that are educational yet at a level they feel challenged. This can be as simple as having them plan the Summer vacation (even if you stay in town) including the budget for fuel, food and activities. This can teach them a lot of activities and may challenge them to apply their knowledge in practical way. Other activities might be to do a neighborhood Newspaper or look more carefully at the history of your hometown. Almost every town has some very interesting history. You can even teach them research techniques in the process. Of course if you want to challenge your child more formally Sylvan can do just that.
Your child did well in school. They worked hard and you recognize they are probably going to be good students next year. This is easier, these children and adolescents need challenge at their level to continue to keep sharp with their skills. The idea is to make starting back to school in the fall clean and easy. A formal program may be helpful, or activities mentioned above may be just the ticket. The idea is to keep their minds active and sharp.
The last group is kids who struggled during the school year. Many parents think they are going to get better over the summer. The reality is that they usually don’t get better they actually fall back. These children and teens are finding life in school tough, frustrating. You will probably be relieved not to have to fight the homework battles when school is out and if they indeed have passed then you will be most thankful that they made it through. The reality is many of these children and teens can learn. They may need to be taught in style different than most but they can learn. They also need to be given positive learning environments. Parents can help them learn in non-formal ways and many of these students can make significant progress in a program that fits them and the way they need to learn.
Many parents think that their kids need a break over the summer. A break is great, but they should continue to learn. A break is not having eight hours of school each day. A break is to enter a new learning environment. If you see learning as a chore, so will your child. Learning should be fun and exciting for both the kids and adults in each family.
Some other activities for fun summer learning can be….
Helping your kids bake or cook using a recipe. This will reinforce reading, fractions and basic science.
Planning a vacation as we described above.
Studying the history of your town, or some significant historical event.
Visit a historical site such as Gettysburg or Washington DC.
Read a series of novels, such as Nancy Drew or Elizabeth Gail.
Plan a camping or back-packing trip.
Start a dog sitting or dog walking business that your kids run.
And many more…
For more information and ideas:
Sylvan Learning Center
Columbia or Jefferson City
800-EDUCATE
www.educate.com
www.stanleylearning.com
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