Mid-Summer Report Card: Is Your Child's Brain Still Working?

By jonbonjovious Jul 28, 2011

Summer vacation is nearing its end. In less than six weeks, children will return to reading, writing, and arithmetic. There will be reports, projects and tests. As we reach the middle of summer vacation, its time to assess the reality that children fall behind over the summer. Research has shown that without access to activities at home or in their community that keep them engaged, some children can fall behind as much as two months in reading and in math.

Summer doesn’t have to be the route of book work, but instead the opportunity to explore new opportunities. The simplicity of arts and crafts, or basketball in the driveway fuel children’s brains. Summer is the perfect time for a child to discover something new to be passionate about and experience a new adventure.

There are many activities that provide the opportunity to engage children. A camp out can provide the backdrop for a discussion on outer-space. Print out constellation facts and then scan the skies for familiar constellations.

Math is as simple to practice by inviting children to help in the kitchen. Can they count how many chocolate chips are in 1/4 cup? Invite children to the grocery store and give them a calculator to help determine which is the best deal on favorite cereals, treats, etc. Create a Monster Math Box and let children's imaginations run wild as they create pictures with tangrams.

Many libraries offer a summer reading program complete with incentives and rewards to keep children reading. It is recommended during the school year, that a child read a minimum of 20-minutes. Encourage children to maintain this goal. There are many great books, start with a favorite author, or introduce a child to your favorite books as a child. Why not create your own Summer Reading List?

What are some of your favorite educational activities in the summer?

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Comments

by DianeHoffmaster | LILBURN, GA

Aug 01, 2011

I am a huge fan of teaching your kids during the summer. We have a required reading list, our music lessons continue, I print out math sheets and reading comprehension stories. But, we still have more than our share of absolutely do nothing time, too.

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