7 Ways to Keep Up with Learning over the Summer Holidays
I don’t know about you, but I begin every July with wide-eyed optimism. I have big plans to do lots of activities with my kids, to go on lots of days out and do a few educational activities with them. By then end of August, I’m usually looking back, thinking, ‘where did the time go?’ Realising that I haven’t done half of the activities we planned. We can put so much pressure on ourselves to keep up with our children’s education during the summer months, but often we don’t know where to start and are met with opposition from our kids - they are off school, why would they want to sit down and do a workbook? But learning isn’t confined to formal workbooks. There is a wealth of learning to be had outside of the classroom in the context of family time. Here are 7 ways to find learning opportunities in the summer months.
Keep reading. And I don’t mean just reading novels or school reading books. Use the topics that your child is interested in to get them into reading. There is a wealth of books out there on many topics including Lego, Pokemon, Barbie, farming, dancing, animals. Magazines are a great way to get your child reading without the formality. My son loves planes, so he and his Dad read aviation magazines together. He loves getting this time to spend with his dad and doesn’t even realise that he is developing his reading skills.
Write a summer diary together. Every year, my son’s report says, ‘keep writing over the summer’. But when I try to follow through on this, I’m met with resistance. So I bought him a notebook and now we keep a summer diary, where we write and draw about our adventures during the summer. Not only is it developing his writing skills, but it will serve as a memory to look back on in years to come.
Write postcards to family. When we go on holiday, one of the first things my son loves to do is write postcards to his grandparents. This old fashioned tradition seems unnecessary in our digital age, however, it not only develops his literacy skills, but there is so much excitement in sending something from another place, to find it arrive at home with the people you love the most.
Budgeting their pocket money. Real life learning is the most valuable type of learning. So when your child gets their regular pocket money, talk to them about budgeting. Then help them plan what they need and want to spend or save - a skill that will stand by them into adulthood.
Baking or cooking. Not only is this a great relationship-building activity, but there is so much learning in following a recipe and weighing ingredients - plus you get a yummy treat at the end of it all!
Educational games. Keep learning in the summer months lighthearted. Our learning activities are designed to make learning fun and engaging through colourful board games which your child can enjoy, without the pressure of putting pen to paper.
Remember the summer is for rest. Whilst it is good to keep your kids learning, it’s also good to teach them to rest. With childhood anxiety on the rise, it’s important that children not only learn to work hard, but also learn to rest.
Have you got any summer ideas worth sharing? Tag us on social media @cleverkitlearningboxes