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Tips to Keep Kids Learning Over Summer
Special to The Truth
Long breaks from reading,
writing and critical thinking can be detrimental for
students. That’s why savvy parents ensure that kids keep
learning over summer. With the implementation of the Common
Core and Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM)
Standards, bridging the gap between school years is more
important than ever.
But you don’t need to
replicate a classroom to reap the benefits of summer
studies. After all, it’s called “vacation” for a reason.
Here are few fun ways to keep kids’ brains on high alert all
season:
Make Math Fun
The more interactive and
hands-on you can make math, the more engaged kids will be.
So avoid drilling them with stale worksheets.
Play a board game like
“Monopoly,” and bestow the role of “banker” on your child.
Or, let them handle the real thing on outings by letting
them pay the ice cream vendor and the grocer. You can even
consider capitalizing on the summer weather with a lemonade
stand -- it’s a great first small business experience.
Supplement these
experiences with tools that go beyond a standard workbook.
For example, a new book, “Amazing Visual Math,” covers the
essential math concepts learned in the first years of school
using interactive elements, including pop-ups, flaps and
pull-tab elements. Designed to develop manual dexterity and
sharpen visual skills, tools like this can make a tedious
subject entertaining.
Foster their Interests
The school year can be
hectic and isn’t necessarily an ideal time for a child to
take on new hobbies. Summer however, is the perfect time of
year to encourage kids to explore new interests through
thematic summer camps, community classes and sports teams.
You can also nurture
interests through non-fiction literature. Check out the
“Eyewitness Books" series from DK Publishing with titles
that cover a broad range of topics like “World War I,”
“Rocks & Minerals” and “Wonders of the World.” Newly updated
this year and now available in paperback, they can help
bridge the gap between last school year and the next.
Get Informed
The implementation of new
education policies and standards can be difficult on
students, but you can help smooth the transition and prepare
your child for the coming school year by learning more about
it. Visit www.us.dk.com/education for Common Core and STEM
information for all grade levels, activity sheets and book
recommendations on all topics that support classroom
learning.
Friendly Competition
Start a family competition
to see who reads the most books this summer. Post the
results on the fridge so everyone can see.
Road Trip Fun
Make summer road trips a
bit less of a bore by stocking the car with fun games and
activities. The Ultimate Factivity Collection series
includes doodle and coloring pages, puzzles, crafts,
stickers, facts and activities that encourage learning. With
titles like “Animals,” “Fashion,” “Star Wars” and
“LEGO Legends of Chima,” kids won’t suspect they’re
learning.
To set up kids for a
successful school year, find activities that strike the
perfect balance between learning and fun.
Courtesy StatePoint
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