Summer School Is In Session

Even we like to have a little more fun in the summer, but there are definitely some cool ways for your family to incorporate a little education into your summertime experiences.

Of course you want your children to play and enjoy themselves in the summer. But even when they’re not in school, they can still be learning—and having fun while doing it! As a family, there are plenty of ways to incorporate learning into summer activities to keep little minds sharp.

Here are just a few suggestions:

1. Playing games. Wherever you go, you can observe colors, count objects, or identify letters (in signs, on cars, or in stores). Liven up any outing, from the grocery store to the beach to a local sports event, by engaging your child’s senses with the environment around them.
2. Cooking. Sharpen math skills in the kitchen as you measure ingredients and use scientific skills as you sort and categorize food items. It’s also a great opportunity to explore health and fitness and to discover what keeps growing bodies nourished while they’re using so much energy in the summertime.
3. Talking. Sounds simple pretty simple, right? It is. Regular conversations with your children keep them thinking and discovering. It’s a great way to learn new words and to have your child think critically as they answer questions.
4. Exploring. Take a walk around your neighborhood or at a nearby park or nature area. It’s not only great exercise, it’s educational. Work together with your children to identify the plant and animal life that you encounter.
5. Museum-ing. Yes, we all like visiting amusement parks or resorts or water slides, but museums can also be a fun summer outing. Most major cities have at least one children’s museum, many of which offer hands-on, interactive experiences that are fun, exciting, and, yes, educational.
6. Reading. And . . . reading. In the car, on the beach, at bedtime, or anytime. Just read. This is the most important way to keep your child engaged and keep up their literacy skills. Schedule time every day to read together as a family and encourage your children to read (or even look at the pictures) on their own.