After nine months of hard work, even the mention of the word school sends a shiver down kids’ spines. Parents, on the other hand, are already looking for ways to prepare their children for the following September. So how do you stop your child’s brain from turning to mush during summer vacation? There are many simple creative games that can keep those brain juices flowing without your children even realizing that they are learning.
Reading with children, whether during school or summer vacation, is very important, especially with younger children who have trouble reading on their own. Try making a bedtime story more exciting by using different voices for each character. Borrow two copies of the same book from the library so that your child can follow along, or even challenge your kids to act out the book as you read it aloud.
A great way to challenge your children’s creativity is for them to come up with their own play. They come up with the story, characters and props themselves then perform it for the whole family. Taking your children to see a local play or musical is a good way to start the process. You’ll be amazed at the creativity, imagination and self-confidence this activity inspires.
Playing board games that involve strategizing, calculating or reading can be a mental workout as well as a fun way to pass a rainy afternoon. If your child is bored with the board games in your closet, let them invent their own and then teach you the rules. It will give them a lot of confidence to know that they are teaching you something for once.
Summer is a great time to get your kids involved in activities or sports, and that little bit of added structure can be just what they need to make the transition back into school a little easier. Physical activity, along with a healthy diet, will keep them energized, healthy and alert.
You can help your kids exercise practical math skills by turning your pantry into a grocery store or their closets into a clothing store. Label each item with a price and give them a shopping list. Give them fake money and help them total the cost of their purchases. For older children you can even take them to a real store to practice and let them buy something with their allowance. Challenge them to practice their percentages by shopping in stores that are having sales.
Turn a family camping trip into a wild safari. Take your children on an adventure hike and get them to take pictures of the plants and animals they find interesting. When you get home, you can look up the wildlife you found on the internet to learn more about it. Get the pictures developed and make your own wildlife scrapbook with information about each specimen pictured.
Suggesting fun activities that are also chuck full of lessons is a great way for your child to make the most out of summer and be prepared for the upcoming school year.
