If you have kids, then you know the inevitable “I’m bored” that might echo through your home throughout the summer. According to Oxford Learning, approximately two-and-a-half months of math and reading skills are lost over the summer. To thwart this, approximately two to three hours a week of learning during summer vacation is what’s needed to prevent learning loss. How can you make those two to three hours fun and something your child will actually want to do? Here are a few suggestions.
Read
Start a summer book club with your child and give them a reward when they finish five books. The reward can be a summer pool party with their friends at the end of the summer, or a trip to your local theme park. Check with your local library to see if they have their own incentive program.
Explore Nature
Take a hike! Talk about the trees, animals, and plants that surround you. Find out what your child has learned in his or her science classes this past year. Write down observations in a journal. If you’re visiting a U.S. National Park this summer, the National Park Service features its very own kids’ section with resources and fun activities to complete before or during your visit.
Teach Life Skills
Teach your children things that might not be in their curriculum, like balancing a checkbook or cooking. Summer can also be a great time to give your child an idea of how to bait a hook, so you can go fishing together.
Work on Vocabulary
Create a “word of the day” every day. See if your child can apply it to a sentence by the end of the day. You can then create a challenge where your child tries to include each word in a paragraph.
Plant a Garden
Explain how different types of fruits, vegetables, and plants grow. Allow your child to plant the seeds. If you plant fruits and vegetables, you can also discuss the importance of a healthy diet.
Explore History
Be a tourist for the day. Learn more about the history of where you live by visiting historical sites and museums. After your tours, take your child out for lunch or dinner.
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