Summer Learning and the Livin’ is Easy

Local tips and activities to prevent summer learning loss

It’s finally summer, and your kids can’t wait to go swimming, hang out with friends, and be free from school! We’re all about kids having fun over the summer, but it’s also a great opportunity to keep them learning at the same time. Here are a few ways to keep their minds sharp over the summer without taking away their “fun time.”

• Explore locally: Visit your local library and check out their summer reading programs. Many libraries offer exciting prizes, such as tickets to the zoo, discounts at local restaurants, and free books. Find your local library.

• Screen time ideas: If you give your kids “screen time,” encourage them to try games that promote learning (with your approval and supervision, of course). There are all kinds of free games to help kids learn typing, math, science, critical thinking, and more! A few sites to check out are pbskids.org/games and funbrain.com.

• Have fun: Local art, music, and science events with your child that you might both enjoy. (Stay tuned for our suggestions around Phoenix and Tucson later this week!) For extra fun (and if you’re feeling ambitious), help your kids and their friends throw their own event for the neighborhood! Everyone loves a good talent show, and the kids will have a chance to keep their artistic abilities sharp.

• Help them research: If your kids have career ideas or areas of interest, help them do research to learn more, and see if you can make a “field trip” to a local business in the industry.

• Make a trip: Head to Bookman’s or Goodwill and pick up some good old-fashioned board games that cultivate critical thinking and logic skills.

• Encourage your kids: To write a story, conduct a science experiment, or whatever most interests them. Or, find some recipes that they like and cook together!

• Start with A Book: To ward off the learning loss that many children experience over the summer, Start with a Book offers parents, caregivers, summer program staff and librarians lots of engaging ideas for getting kids hooked on reading, exploring and learning all summer long — and beyond. (From Reading Rockets) http://www.startwithabook.org

Your turn – what are some of your favorite ways to incorporate learning into summer fun? Let us know in the comments.