Whether you are a home-schooling parent, a working mom, or a concerned grandparent, you probably know the value of summer in the eyes of a child. Children see summer as swimming and sandals, sunshine and sand. Every child dreams of getting away from those school doors for three long months. Parents and teachers see this time a bit differently. Yes, we adults love the sun and the sand, but we also know the troubles of back to school after months of mindless vacation. Try these tips to make learning easy for parents and fun for kids this summer and see how easily your child slips back into the groove this fall.
As the mother of four children, I know how chaotic a summer can be. The kids are wanting to play outside, watch TV, and fight over the squirt guns and game system. Now, doesn't this sound like the perfect environment to make lesson plans work?
Parents do not have to spend hours planning assignments and lesson plans for the kids for the duration of summer. In fact, the best learning is found in everyday activities if you know where to look.
A trip to the store or supermarket can be very educational if presented in the right way. Younger children can tell you the colors of fruits, the shape of a box, and the number of cans of corn you buy. Your older kids can add up the savings on the coupons or figure out the change. Take a calculator along to add up the total of the groceries by estimating and compare that price to that of the actual bill.
While on a fishing trip, talk to the children about science. Is the water causing any signs of erosion? When is the best time to catch fish and why? What are signs that water is unsafe to drink?
If you are looking for a bit more structure, then try saving the spelling words over the course of the year and quiz your child on them randomly over the summer. Work on a few words a week. Don't feel pressured to live up to the accomplishments of the school year. This will make the kids less interested, but a few words won't hurt.
What is your child really into right now? Maybe she has taken an interest in learning how things are made, or possibly he is showing excitement about cooking. Let your child learn about their interests through books at the library or by reading up on the topic from online sources. Either way the child is learning and reading. Ask the child to dress up like the character or create a meal for you to show off what they have learned.
Groups like 4H and Scouts really have their stuff together. Take advantage of this opportunity if your child is involved in such organizations. Projects for 4H are set up in a way to allow learning with fun. The child may even be able to show off their hard work at the local county fair. Scouts earn badges for learning new skills. They can easily accomplish many goals over the summer months that will keep the child's mind active and busy.
Keep things fun and interesting for your child. It is summer. Offer field trips to museums on those hot, summer days. Children love field trips, so schedule one that keeps your youngster motivated to learn
Through hands-on activities, whenever possible.
Hard work deserves a treat. Set up a reward system for your children. For each job well done, write a letter of their name on a board or poster. When their entire name appears, they have earned a special treat. Maybe you have selected a special trip to their favorite park, or a frozen sundae from the ice cream parlor. Whatever you have chosen, spend the time together having fun.
Enjoy your summer with the kids home, but keep those little minds going in the right direction over the long summer break with these fun and easy tips.
