Summer doesn’t have to mean a regression of academic skills. Parents can take advantage of those “teachable” moments and keep their kids learning all summer long.
The first step in keeping the education in summer vacation is to check with your child’s teacher. Ask for suggestions regarding reading (both pleasure and required), workbooks, and math and science topics. Also, if feasible, talk to next year’s teacher as well. Look for ways to gain a bit of academic ground on the skills and topics coming up in the fall. After gathering tips and tricks from teachers and parents, Kids Enabled compiled a list of ideas and Web sites to help the whole family have a fun and productive summer.
1. Your family belongs in a zoo (or aquarium or museum).
Many exhibits are hands-on and give kids more of a participatory role. Check the Web site before you go; many offer extras like scavenger hunts and quizzes which make your visit more fun and meaningful.
» http://abcteach.com/directory/theme_units/zoo
» http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/kids_corner
» http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/kidscorner
2. Take a hike!
Visit a nearby nature trail and enjoy a hike. Turn the hike into a treasure hunt by seeing how many different types of leaves, flowers, trees and plants you can find. Give the kids a checklist of things to look for. Don’t forget a magnifying glass and the camera!
» http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/kids/scavengerhunt.htm
» http://www.stormthecastle.com/nature-walk-ideas-and-projects.htm
3. Eat your math (and science)!
Cooking is a great way to practice and learn a bit of math and science. How many cups are in a gallon? What is yeast and why does it make bread rise? » » http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/candy/index.html
» http://www.biglearning.com/treasure-cooking-with-kids.htm
4. Uncover and discover.
For kids who like to do research, offer a “topic of the week” and let them go at it. Use the Internet, resources in the local library and sites around town.
» http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/netsbest
» http://www.buzzle.com/articles/essay-topics-for-kids.html
5. Take the grocery store challenge.
Teach the kids how to read nutrition labels. How many grams are in an ounce? What is the percentage of daily fat, sugar and fiber that is in a particular item?
» http://www.math.com/parents/articles/grocerymath.html
» http://www.moneyinstructor.com/spending.asp
6. Navigation for your destination.
Let your child be your travel agent! Look at maps, discuss stops and sights along the way, calculate the cost of gas, food and hotel, and encourage record and journal keeping.
» http://www.ehow.com/how_4470281_long-car-trip-using-internet.html
» http://www.roadtripamerica.com/travelplanning/Tips-for-Family-Road-Trips.htm
7. Bring your favorite stories to life.
Choose a favorite book or story and bring it to life with a field trip (the Disney movie version of the book doesn’t count!). Children can learn more about the settings and events in books by doing visiting the library or exploring the Internet.
» http://familyfun.go.com/playtime/bringing-books-to-life-701975
8. Become an historian.
All towns and cities have some history to tell. Atlanta is especially rich in history and folklore. Have the kids “interview” some of the older family members and neighbors who may have some great stories to tell.
» http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com
» http://www.atlantaga.gov/Visitors/History.aspx
» http://www.preserveatlanta.com/walkingtours.htm
9. Check it out!
Your local library is a great (and free) destination. Especially during the summer, libraries offer story times, reading contests and even crafting opportunities. Use yours as a valuable resource.
» http://www.publiclibraries.com/georgia.htm
10. Go collegiate.
Explore local colleges and universities. As well as offering day camps that specialize in certain subjects, many local colleges have learning resources that are available to the community.
» http://www.agnesscott.edu
» http://www.oglethorpe.edu
» http://www2009.brenau.edu
11. Shop (and learn) ‘til you drop.
Make a trip to the mall a lesson in smart shopping. With comparison pricing, percentages off for sales and finding bargains, math skills get a work out.
» http://www.moneyinstructor.com/budgeting.asp
» http://life.familyeducation.com/money-and-kids/personal-finance/34481.html
» http://www.infoplease.com/finance/commentary/feature/feature_2kids.html
12. Look up!
Spend some time gazing at the night sky, especially if you’re on vacation somewhere away from city lights.
» http://www.ehow.com/facts_5769417_phases-moon-fun-kids.html
» http://www.kidsastronomy.com
» http://fsc.fernbank.edu
» http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
13. Take a ride on a roller coaster.
Heading to a theme park this summer? Talk about how certain laws of physics keeps everyone in the rollercoaster even when it’s upside down.
» http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/coaster.html
» http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/roller-coaster.htm
» http://www.funderstanding.com/coaster (this Web site has a cool coaster simulator!)
14. Rev up the engine.
Discover how you are getting from here to there and look into what makes your car go.
» http://www.ehow.com/facts_4925457_facts-cars-kids.html
» http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5516457_car-operates-kids.html
» http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-wash-a-car
15. Reap what you sow.
Start a small container garden to teach math and botany, as well as initiate lessons about nutrition.
» http://www.kidsgardening.com/growingideas/projects/feb03/pg1.html
» http://www.kiddiegardens.com
» http://www.ivillage.com/container-gardening-you-and-your-kids/6-a-145082
Your Go-To Guide of Web Sites for Local Activities
High Museum
Fernbank Planetarium
Fernbank Natural History Museum
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Georgia Aquarium
Imagine It! Children’s Museum in Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta
Atlanta History Center
Georgia Shakespeare Festival
Peachtree DeKalb Airport
Center for Puppetry Arts
Field trip ideas
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, SC
Kids Enabled would love to hear from you! Please comment on this article and give your favorite summer fun ideas. We hope you have a fun and safe summer and keep the learning in the mix!
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