Unique Summer Learning

by Lyn Newton | More from this Blogger

02 Jun 2007 03:42 PM

Learning and academic achievement do not have to stop during the summer months. However, your child does not have to study and attend class to have a successful and enriching summer.

Children, like adults, need a break. While encouraging your child to continue learning and enhancing his knowledge, you should also let him enjoy his time off and have some fun.

There are many ways to strengthen your child's academics without making him endure class or study time.

Summer is a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow academically in a less structure environment setting. Look to enroll your child in useful classes that teach using creative or different types of teaching styles.

Many Junior colleges and community centers offer classes for children during the summer months.

Check for classes such as learning basic keyboarding skills or basic computer software skills. These are excellent and useful for your child.

Other courses may include learning a foreign language or sign language. Both of these can be fun and enhance your child's education.

Physical activity courses are usually also offered. Children can take courses to learn the rules and basics of sports such as golf, bowling, tennis, swimming, or cheerleading.

Also check with the sciences and arts if your child has an interest in them. Drama, singing, and acting classes are sometimes available. Children can take pottery or painting classes also. All of these can help with your child's perception and fine and gross motor skill development.

Let your child help decide what types of courses he or she would like to take during the summer. Think about your child's interests and direct him or her into checking out the types of courses that match. Also stress to your child that it is okay to try new things. Your child might find great pleasure in an activity that he or she never thought of trying before. Most of all make sure that your child finds enjoyment in them.

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Learn more about Lyn Newton

Lyn is a kindergarten teacher and mommy to a girl and a boy. In her spare time, she enjoys informative and creative writing.

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barefootbookslady (201) 03 Jun 2007 08:23 PM

I could not agree with you more, Karri. My children are still quite young, 6 and 8, but I do see the need for them to have downtime but still learn in another way. Lately schools seem less inclined to take children on field trips due to liability and cost. We are so fortunate to live near San Francisco and I do take advantage of it! My children enjoy museums, ballet, and just walking around taking in the many sights, sounds and cultures in the "city". This is quite educational and I am always impressed with their questions or observations on the ride home.

Trips out into nature are also a great "classroom" - the beach, the desert, and the farm all provide areas where children can learn about being a part of the Earth and human experience... this is science and social studies all in one!

Now that math is a more prominent subject for my children at school, I do plan to incorporate some word problems into summer fun - perhaps a Lemonade Stand!

Kathleen von Raesfeld, Petaluma, CA

Lyn Newton (3966) 04 Jun 2007 06:00 AM

What a great mom you are! It is not as important for me to get a kindergarten student at the beginning of the year that can already read and knows letters and sounds as it is for me to get a student that is educated about the world. I can always tell when a child has been read to and talked to. Just having conversations with your child about the world and the people in it can make a big difference! Thanks for your support and comments!!