Summer learning loss can set already-struggling students back further and can prevent previously successful students from achieving their best. To mitigate the loss of learning over the summer months and holiday breaks, it’s important to keep kids learning outside of the classroom. During the school year, keeping kids learning outside of school can help instill curiosity and engagement within the classroom. Here are some ways you can keep your children excited about learning new things once school is out.
Visit Museums
Hands-on children’s museums provide opportunities for kids to learn through fun activities. These are wonderful places to visit for a day trip that the whole family can enjoy—but don’t feel like the learning has to stop there. Art galleries, rock museums and small historical museums can prove to be an interesting stop for young children. To make these visits as memorable and engaging as possible, give kids a hands-on way to experience the lesson. Whether that is to purchase a few geodes at the rock museum or finding a way to recreate famous art at home, kids will love taking their learning to a new level.
Themed Worksheets
Reading and math worksheets are useful and can mimic in-class learning and testing. To make them more fun to do while your child is out of school, find themed worksheets or workbooks that use characters from their favorite movies or shows. Kids will be more willing to practice math and writing when the tasks are centered around their favorite characters.
Board Games or Tabletop Games
Board games feel like fun, but try to sneak in a little learning along the way. From simple addition and counting, to harder tasks like money or resource management, you’ll be surprised how many popular games include natural opportunities for learning. Tabletop games and role-playing games can also serve as an excellent jump-off point for creative writing and storytelling.
STEAM Toys
Keep summer and winter breaks fun by encouraging learning through playtime. Find toys that help your kids hone their science, technology, engineering, art and math skills in fun new ways. You can find crafting kits that can help children create their own slimes and bath bombs, dig for geodes and fossils, build a small robot and many other exciting activities under the STEAM umbrella.
