With nearly two months off school, many parents worry that their child’s learning may start to suffer, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Here are some ways to ensure education continues throughout the summer and prevent the dreaded summer learning slide:
Playing Games
Board games and educational video games teach skills and test knowledge. Card games increase number skills, board games like Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit enhance concentration, maths, and general knowledge. While games like chess and draughts encourage strategic thinking. It’s even better if you find games outdoors (this photo is of my stepsons in a park in Aberdeen).
Get in the Kitchen
Involve kids in cooking to teach them reading recipes, measuring ingredients, and kitchen safety. Helping with meals can develop their cooking and baking skills.
DIY Experiments
Conduct simple kitchen science experiments in the garden to make learning fun and interesting.
Discover the Great Outdoors
Encourage outdoor activities like planting fruits and vegetables to teach kids about growth processes. Nature hunts can help younger children with counting and spelling.
Encouraging Writing
Have your child keep a summer diary, write stories, shopping lists, or activity lists to keep their writing skills sharp.
Making Reading an Everyday Activity
Promote daily reading with these ideas:
- Create a reading chart with incentives.
- Visit the local library.
Pack a book for outings.
Encourage reading out loud from menus, recipes, websites, instructions, or public signs.
Most importantly, don’t let learning become a stress – try to keep it light-hearted and fun. If your child’s not keen, keep the sessions short. Even 5-10 minutes will make a difference.
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