Summer Learning? It Can Happen!

May. Ah! Yes. It signifies, for many, the end of another school year. And if you're still among those teachers/parents whose students/children take a break for the summer you may want to think about ways to keep learning alive for their sake and yours. Students will then return next fall refreshed, yet still capable of thinking! But...the ball is in the parent's court. With some pre-planning, teachers can help parents prepare for those long, lazy days with summer learning ideas. Here are a few to pass along. (Note: mainly directed toward elementary students; however, with some bending, these ideas will even apply to older students.)

1. Go to the library. The library has books, audiotapes, videotapes, and magazines for every interest. Check out the summer programs. Maybe have children set their own reading goals. Or perhaps set goals together. Example: Read five books earn a treat (a trip to the zoo for instance). And story hour? Plenty of fun reading opportunities.
2. Let children illustrate books they're reading. They can draw a picture about story happenings after each chapter, then retell the story using the drawings.
3. Be wary of too much television. Not only is it not stimulating to the mind (in many cases), it is physically unhealthy. Instead, suggest board games, have them create their own, or even have them participate in outdoor sports.
4. Include children in travel. Have them research areas you plan to visit. Not only will this be a learning experience; you may have an excellent, personal tour guide on your hands. Sometimes it's nice for children to be the teachers.
5. Notice nature. Learn the names of trees, flowers, and insects. Summer is the perfect time to observe the night sky and learn the constellations.
6. Encourage children to help with cooking. Have them follow simple recipes (under supervision of course). Following directions is a necessary learning skill.
7. Have children keep a journal. It's always nice to go back and see all the fun summer activities they participated in. And perhaps, "What did you do this summer?" won't be followed by a shrug and a bland, "Nothing much. Watched TV." Those responses have always bothered me.
8. Give your children added responsibilities. It's never too early to learn the value of work. Have them set the table, take out the trash, wash the dog on a routine schedule.
9. Check out some organized learning. Parks and recreation departments often have overnight camps, arts and crafts classes, nature camps, and science programs. These will enable children to socialize as well as learn. Take a look at the American Camping Association web site http://www.acacamps.org for information regarding accredited day and overnight camps.

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