Top FIVE Tips for a FUN and EDUCATIONAL SUMMER!

1. Head to your local library.

Many libraries have summer reading programs available for kids (and even adults). Find out if your library has this opportunity. Whether there is an official program or not, make visiting the library this summer a weekly activity.

2. Grab a couple student workbooks.

Make learning (with pencil and paper) a priority this summer. Search online for age appropriate workbooks. Make a commitment to complete 1-2 pages, 5 days a week. Kudos if you do more, but setting and achieving a small goal will provide a sense of accomplishment for all. Having students help choose the workbooks gives them ownership and make those pages more enjoyable for all!

3. Get Outside

Swimming, picnics, parks, and nature walks are a few quick and easy ways to enjoy the outdoors. One of my favorite quick activities is an outdoor scavenger hunt. Grab a sack, make a list of items found outdoors, and head outside. My boys and I have found leaves, grass blades, rocks, and tree bark in this easy activity. Remind yourself that we are surrounded by learning opportunities. An activity doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun and educational.

4. Explore helpful websites online.

Many educational organizations offer short videos on a variety of math concepts. The activities available allow students to practice the concepts presented in the video. Whether you are wanting to introduce a new math topic to your student or reinforce a difficult concept from the school year, you’ll find some great content at numerous educational organizations. Many K12 schools also offer other online programs such as LearnBop. Check your kmail for opportunities unique to your school!

5. Make it magical!

Sometimes an empty day with a house full of kids can seem a bit overwhelming. Challenge yourself to create a simple, fun memory each day. At our house, we’ll dance in our socks, blow bubbles, play tag, or a game of telephone, and have several rounds of ring around the rosie in the grass.  Some of these ideas are geared towards younger children, however, a surprise trip for an ice cream cone or a trip to a nearby river, lake or stream may provide a magical diversion for older ones. Don’t stress about creating fantastic plans with tons of prep work. Your kids will remember the magically ordinary moments!