Many parents want their children to keep learning during school breaks, but how do you keep them engaged all summer? Keeping them on track can be tricky, but making an educational experience fun is the key to getting them excited.
Keeping your child learning throughout the summer is vital. Because of the long break, kids can lose 39% of the knowledge they gained during the school year. It seems surprising, but it makes sense — they go from studying something new every day to months of absorbing nothing at all. Keeping their brains active can help prepare them for the back-to-school season, even if you’re not covering traditional topics.
1. Try Homeschooling
Homeschooling over the summer requires commitment, but it can pay off when your child returns to school ahead of the curve. The National Home Education Research Institute says they can score up to 25% higher on standardized tests than public school students. You don’t have to follow state regulations since you only teach them during their summer break.
You might run into the issue of procrastination. Many kids find the structure of school and due dates to be challenging. Usually, the cause is emotional or behavioral issues like trouble concentrating or perfectionism. It should be easier for them to adjust to a summer schedule since they just came out of school, but they still might put off work.
You should establish a routine to make things flow as smoothly as possible. For example, you could set a bedtime, ensure they eat breakfast every morning and make a to-do list of all the things they need to do in a day. It’s OK to deviate from traditional school hours, though. You can teach them for four days instead of five or take them on field trips once a week if that works best for you.
Children who typically get high grades and come home with C’s and D’s could be a sign they need help — disorders like anxiety can make concentration challenging for them. Tracking their progress can help you see what works and what doesn’t. For example, you could put a sticker on a chart every time they complete a project. You can also reward them when they reach their goal to encourage them.
2. Make Everything a Learning Activity
Almost everything can be a learning activity. Take grocery shopping, for example. You could ask your child to write down everything you need or calculate how much you’ll spend. It helps them with critical thinking and strengthens their math skills. Everything from playing a board game to watching a movie can become an opportunity for education. Anything that aids in their development and activates their brain can work.
3. Go on Nature Walks
Walking can be a relaxing and fun way to incorporate learning into your routine. The National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends going at different times of day to build awareness and mix things up. It’s OK if you don’t have rolling fields or a forest in your backyard — your child will love exploring anywhere outdoors, even if it’s just the sidewalk.
Pay attention to the plants, animals, sky and weather. You can point out interesting things and ask thought-provoking questions. The complexity depends on their age, of course. For example, ask them if a squirrel is a mammal or a rodent. Learning doesn’t have to be traditional to help your child grow.
4. Visit the Library
The United States has over 17,450 libraries as of 2020, so you probably have one nearby. They’re great resources, even if your kid isn’t the biggest fan of reading. Many provide things like board games, movies and records.
You can also take your family to a library if you need a quiet space for learning. Most have plenty of tables and chairs, and it’s one of the few public spaces where silence is golden. Your child can likely get much more done when distractions do not surround them. You could also cozy up with a good book while they work.
A public library is the best place you can go if you want to encourage your child to read. It will have many books for every reading level, so they can choose whatever they want. They might not be a fan of chapter books, but they’ll probably like choose-your-own-adventure novels or comics. It’s also free to use, one of the best parts.
5. Go on a Field Trip
Taking your child on an educational field trip is an excellent way to keep them learning all summer. They’ll also find it fun, which makes the whole process easier on you.
You could take them to a park, zoo, museum or exhibit — you’re sure to find something nearby. For example, there are over 104,000 museums worldwide, each providing a different experience. Plenty are also open to the public, making it a super affordable option.
6. Do Monthly Learning Reviews
Monthly reviews are a relaxed way to keep your child learning all summer. You can track what they learn in every class or ask their school for a general summary. Teachers have lesson plans in advance, so they should have paperwork they can give you. Some states even require districts to publish their activities and instructional materials online for transparency.
You can sit down with your child once a month and go over what they learned in school. Refreshing their mind can help prepare them for the upcoming year and keep their brains stimulated. Of course, you can adjust how often you review the material to fit your schedule and their learning habits.
Kids Can Keep Learning Over Summer
You only need to engage your child a few days each month to keep them learning all summer, whether you review with them, go on educational field trips or try homeschooling. Find what works best for you and then get them excited about it — their brain will stay active and you can feel confident when you send them back to class in the fall.
