Kids love summer. They also like to sleep late, watch their favorite movies, play games, and spend hours on social media. The days can be lazy and academics can suffer without proper planning and balance.
According to research by John Hopkins University Center for Summer Learning and Sylvan Learning Center, all children will experience a measure of learning loss over the summer if they do not engage in learning activities. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks of re-teaching for students to recover the lost knowledge.
Don’t panic. There is a solution.
As a parent, the challenge is to find a solution that offers fun and entertainment in a balanced learning environment. The Kids ‘R’ Kids’ Summer Camps is a perfect solution. Kids ‘R’ Kids provides a structured camp experience, enriched with learning, fun, and engaging activities.
You can also enrich the summer experience with creative activities that you plan on your own. Here are some examples of summer activities, which can be beneficial for the entire family.
Check the schedule at your local library and look for activities that are suitable for your child. The library usually has events and summer reading programs your children will enjoy. Let your child take her time walking through the library, checking the catalog, and making her own selections. Encourage her to look for activity books with creative ideas the family can enjoy. Discuss reading goals and ask questions like, “What do you like about that book?” Reading can be fun when the family reads together. Ask questions about the story, characters, and the plot. Bedtime is also a great time to read together.
2. Go to Museums, Concerts, and Community Events
Look for community events and festivals in your area. Also check with your museums and parks to find special rates and events that your child will appreciate. Seek to introduce your child to new activities, different cultures, food and music. They will love the time together and likely learn something new about themselves.
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3. Take a Vacation or Stay-cation
Vacations can also be learning events. If you go on a vacation, have your children research the history of the city and landmarks. Then, visit the landmarks when you arrive. If you’re not planning a vacation, consider a stay-cation and plan fun in your own city. You might be surprised to learn how much fun there is to do in your community. Visit the tourist website for your city and see if there are any attractions you have not visited. Enjoy being a tourist in your own city!
4. Have Health and Fitness Fun
The summer is a great time to make new health and fitness commitments. Talk to your child about exercise and proper nutrition. If you have a child who is athletic, ask her to consider the physical preparation that she needs for the next level and plan to achieve the new goal. Have your child commit to better nutritional habits and exercise. Let her help create healthy meals and snacks. Then enjoy exercising together and reaching new goals.
5. Enjoy Fun Activities at Home
Your child may be surprised to learn that fun can happen at home without electronics. Consider playing interactive games, working on puzzles, or Legos. Invite friends over and enjoy the outdoors or neighborhood park. The goal is to keep your child engaged in balanced activities that minimize summer learning loss. Your child will enjoy the extra attention and her teachers will be pleased when she returns to school.
For ongoing solutions for children in preschool, daycare, or childcare, feel free to contact us or visit one of our Learning Academies.
About Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies®
Headquartered in the North Atlanta suburb of Duluth, GA, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies® provides secure, nurturing, and educational environment for children, ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. With over 160 locations in 15 states, Kids ‘R’ Kids International® is a family owned and operated organization that ranks in the top 10 nationwide for franchised early childhood education centers. Find a location near Atlanta (www.KidsRKidsAtlanta.com ).
What are some ways you keep your child’s brain moving during summer break? Do you go to the library, learn about the history at your vacation destinations?
