Summer vacations from school are short these days, but it doesn’t take long for kids to forget what they’ve learned, especially if they weren’t all that interested in learning it in the first place. But the summer offers some great opportunities for educational fun in the sun.
Here are some ideas you can explore in your community to make sure your kids stay sharp and interested in the world around them.
Community offerings
Libraries often have summer programs offering incentives for reading. Some school libraries are also open during special hours in the summer. Libraries are increasingly offering a rich variety of other learning and social opportunities, like computer classes, teen book and movie clubs, music programs and more.
Local museums and science centers typically offer summer programs, too. And don’t forget to check out community centers, and the YMCA for low-cost options, as well. Zoos are an often overlooked resource, but many today offer young naturalist and zookeeper programs, and a variety of classes for all ages.
If you can’t afford to send your kids off to a camp, consider getting together with friends and creating your own homegrown mini-camp, with zoo visits and backyard science.
Vacation Learning Time
Even summer vacations can take on some educational qualities. Get out the maps and let your kids plan the most economical or efficient way to arrive at a destination by car or by plane. Give them a budget and help them to research the most cost-effective ways to enjoy your vacation. Consider monetarily rewarding them if they’re actually able to save you some money, as an incentive.
And while you’re hiking around exploring new areas, give orienteering a try. Or try Geocaching, a sort of modern day scavenger hunt using a GPS (Global Positioning System) device. Both hobbies are physically and mentally challenging, and offer a great way for the whole family to learn and have fun together.
Staying Informed
Current events are often overlooked as a way to engage with kids, and to involve them in their world. Most newspapers offer a Newspapers in Education summer reading section that provides everything from short summaries of cultural and political events, puzzles and contests.
In addition to reading the newspaper with your children, watch news programs and discuss what is happening in the world with them. Get out maps and see where in the world things are happening.
Staying Competitive
Summer is also a great time for entering contests and other themed events. Most local newspapers will host youth writing, art and photography contests, as will local stores, libraries, and other community venues.
Whatever you do with your kids this summer, make it meaningful. Summer is no reason to stop learning. Community offerings like library, museum and zoo programs; on-hands learning during family vacation time; and summer art, photography and writing contests all provide fun and engaging ways to keep kids mentally sharp and engaged.
