Prevent Summer Learning Loss by Keeping It Fun

By Blog Editor Susan Wells

For parents who want to encourage their kids to stay on top of their studies without cramming books and lessons down their throats, here are a few ideas to keep their minds strong over the summer.

Science

• Start with the Steve Spangler Science Summer Science Experiment Guide for tons of ideas for amazing science experiments.
• Check out an astronomy program at an observatory or museum.
• Find a smaller or less popular museum that you have never visited and try it out.
• Turn a museum visit into a Scavenger Hunt. Visit the website first then when at the museum, try to find the exhibits seen on the website.
• Take a hike or walk and try to identify birds, rocks, trees, plants, types of clouds or whatever you see.
• There are a lot of summer science camps and nature camps out there. Find a program that will enrich your child’s love for science.

• Bring out the traditional board games like Monopoly, Battleship, Clue, Uno or Chess to practice a little math.
• Cook or bake together. Recipes use fractions and it’s a great real-world experience to see them in action.
• Play math games on the computer or tablet. There are tons of educational apps that feel like arcade games vs. a learning drudge. Try Murky Reef, Math Bingo, Motion Math.
• A book series by Johnny Ball presents math and number play in unique and fun games. Start with Go Figure! A Totally Cool Book About Numbers.
• IXL is a math website that challenges and presents fun ways to learn math. It is also used by a lot of schools.
• Also try  Multiplication.com. They offer math games for all of the basic math skills – Addition and Subtraction.
• Learn about investing. Join a Junior Investment Program and calculate your compounding interest. How long will it take you to become a millionaire?

Reading

• Form your own book club within your family or friends. Set a goal for reading six books during the summer months and then discuss. Sharing and talking about a book increases reading comprehension.
• When reading with your child this summer, make sure they pick books that challenge, instead of allowing them to only read books that are too easy.
• Join a library summer reading program
• Play some traditional games like Scrabble to practice language skills. You can go higher tech and jump on Words with Friends.