Fun Ways to Keep Students’ Minds Active This Summer
One of the challenges of summer is encouraging kids not to mentally check out and forego anything educational. While a lot of learning happens whether they realize it or not, your kids probably aren’t jumping at the idea of reviewing flashcards or practicing math facts. Fortunately, there are a multitude of other ways to keep their minds engaged and practicing what they’ve learned as well as building new knowledge and skills.
As you’re thinking ahead to summer break, here are a few activities to consider integrating into your days:
Keep Reading. Take regular trips to the library or bookstore so your kids can pick out books that interest them and have different options available. Keep a few books in the car for trips or to grab when waiting in restaurants or waiting rooms. Stash some books in your pool bag for when they’re relaxing out of the water or having a snack. Create comfortable places at home or in the yard for them to settle in with a book, and designate time each day where the whole family stops to read.
Play Games. Have a weekly family game night. Let kids choose from board games, strategy games, card games, dice games, and more. While they’re having fun, they’re also practicing critical thinking, problem solving, logic, math, reading, and a variety of other skills. Swap games with family, friends, and neighbors to keep things fresh, or invite others to join in for even more fun.
Create. Give your kids plenty of opportunities to be creative. This could be in the form of writing their own story, screenplay, or song, or creating a sequel to one of their favorites. They might choose to use different art supplies to paint, draw, sculpt, or build. Maybe they’re into coding or photography. Let them use their imagination.
Explore. Kids like to question everything. If there’s an answer they don’t know, let them research and find out. Is there a person, place, event, or activity they’re curious about? Help them access resources to learn more about it and share what they’ve discovered. Go to different museums, historical sites, national parks, zoos, aquariums, and other interesting destinations for day trips or family vacations. Expose them to new places and opportunities.
Experiment. There are tons of safe science experiments kids can do at home with items you probably already have, or that are easy to find. Set up a science lab in your kitchen and let them test out different hypotheses and see what happens. It’s a hands-on way to keep them engaged and learning while having fun.
You can also sign your child up for summer tutoring to reinforce key strategies and skills with programs that fit their needs and goals. They can focus on areas that will help them feel more confident and prepared for the next school year. Contact Crafting Scholars to learn more and reserve your child’s spot!
