Summer is one of the best times of the year. School’s out, it’s a great time to go on vacation, and there’s nothing better than spending time outdoors. However, many teachers and parents do have one small question as the summer season continues. How can we prevent the summer slump and encourage summer learning?
For many, the answer is summer school. Whether remedial or an advanced program, summer school is one of the most popular ways to maintain educational progress during the summer. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual to see kids crying on the last day of school, not because they’re going to miss their friends, but because they just found out that they have to attend summer school.
However, summer learning doesn’t have to be torturous. In fact, it should be the exact opposite. Here are some ways to make learning fun, so that your child will be begging for more educational opportunities all summer long.
Make Reading a Priority
Summer reading is without a doubt one of the best ways to retain knowledge learned in the previous school year. In short, reading is like brain exercise; it helps students increase their knowledge and continue developing literacy skills. Older children may enjoy independent reading while younger kids can enjoy audio books or having an adult read with them. Additionally, local libraries often have summer activities and reading challenges.
Embrace Everyday Life Lessons
It’s easy to forget that there is so much to learn from the world around us. Whether you’re a teacher or not, there are many opportunities to educate children. Something as simple as letting them help you with errands or a new chore can be exciting for young children and teach them problem-solving as well as many other life skills. Tasks like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and gardening are just a few examples of activities that include teachable moments.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Messy
Summer is a great time to try new, educational activities that may be just a little messier than what you would typically do at school. Consider trying a science experiment, engaging in a new craft, or looking into open-ended sensory play that will allow children to investigate and learn.
Find Fun Workbooks
Another good way to encourage summer learning is to find a fun and educational activity book that your child enjoys. There are a wide variety of educational workbooks, across different price ranges that children truly do enjoy completing. Working through these workbooks as a review, or to expand on pre-existing skills is a great way to foster a sense of accomplishment and achievement in young kids who enjoy seeing their progress and all that they know.
We tend to think of summer as a break, and it is, but that doesn’t mean we should stop learning. Year-round learning is important for supporting our student’s continued academic performance, and with software like Childwatch, parents and childcare workers can work together to avoid the summer slump and make learning fun.