School’s out, but that doesn’t mean that learning has to be put on hold during the summer months. Keep your child’s mind sharp by including some fun and imaginative activities this summer.
Book Clubs
Offer to hold a once-a-month book club at your home. Sit down with your child and choose a few interesting books to read; then invite a few of your child’s friends to read the same books on their own. Schedule a day to meet together to discuss the book, have refreshments, and do a couple activities to go along with the theme of the book. It’s a great way to get kids excited about reading. You can also check with your local library – often, they have summer reading programs.
Learning Projects
Let your child choose something he would like to learn how to do. Maybe he would like to learn to bake cookies or build a birdhouse. Provide supplies and instruction (or a mentor to teach your child if it is something with which you aren’t familiar). See how many new things your child can learn how to do over the summer. When he has mastered his new skill, have a get-together with friends or relatives and let him share his new talent. Maybe he can invite the grandparents over for a meal that he cooked by himself, or give a presentation on birds that might visit the birdhouse he’s built.
Field Trips
Who says that field trips are only a school activity? Think of some places that might be a jumping off point for your child’s curiosity. When my oldest was six years old, he was fascinated with bees, so I found a local beekeeper and arranged a visit. We invited a few of his friends and had a great learning experience. Maybe there is an interesting, but small museum to explore. Don’t overlook opportunities to go on nature walks and learn about the native plants and animals.