Parents can do a great deal to support their children’s summer learning through educational and engaging home-based activities that will help keep them mentally and physically fit, and ready to start the new school year with success. Here are five ways to get started:
- Read to your children -- or encourage your children to read -- books recommended by their teachers, your local library and online summer reading lists. Sign up for your library's Summer Reading Program, which may offer incentives for summertime reading.
- Visit free online learning resources offered my libraries, parks, museums, universities and national parks.
- Here is a link to 60 Free Educational Websites Parents Can Access While Schools Are Closed
https://www.popsugar.com/family/free-online-educational-resources-for-kids-47311368
- Play fun math and word games that turn everyday household activities into learning opportunities. For example, have your kids add up prices at the grocery store and challenge them to tally up the final bill. When going on drives, ask them to look for certain shapes, colors, letters or words on billboards and signs.
- Get moving and get healthy. Turn off the TV, computer and video games (or at least put limits on screen time), and keep your kids moving with physical activities that also encourage learning. For example, organize a scavenger hunt that leads them around a local playground, park or museum.
With a little time, planning and creativity, parents can play an important part in making sure that every summer matters in advancing their children's learning, health and wellbeing.This is more important than ever!