Summer is a time of opportunity for families to get away from school’s stress and demands, but it also poses a challenge for children who are left home with minimal supervision. During this period of freedom, it’s important to have structured activities that will keep children occupied and engaged. We prepared some excellent tips to help your child learn at home during summer.
1. Find a creative outlet
Perhaps your child loves art, or maybe they enjoy writing stories. One of the best ways to help children develop and grow is to provide them with an opportunity for creative expression. Both art and writing offer an effective way to channel their energy and keep them engaged during this extra-long break from school.
2. Do something active
Boredom can be detrimental to a child’s health and development. Staying fit and healthy during summer can help children maintain high academic standards and enjoy the benefits of waiting outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Go to the park or enjoy a bike ride together; even taking your child to an indoor gym for exercise won’t damage their ability to learn this summer.
3. Set up a household chore chart
Children learn to function more effectively when they have responsibilities within the home. Set up a household chore chart to establish what needs to be done around the house so that your child learns how to complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
4. Let them play outside
Children need plenty of fresh air and exercise if they will stay healthy and develop properly during the summer. Try to encourage outdoor activities to keep active and engaged while having fun in the sun. They will be more excited about learning when they are outside enjoying a good time.
5. Keep up with reading
There’s no reason for a child to be bored during summer. Try to stay on top of books you can read together so that your child maintains their excellent reading skills and doesn’t slip behind in their education.
6. Don’t forget the basics
Many children have not learned how to cook or clean properly, and arts and craft activities are not always enough to keep them occupied for long periods. It may be necessary to provide your child with tutoring in class subjects, such as math, science, reading, or writing.
7. Create a daily schedule
It will help your child gain structure and know what is expected of them throughout the day. Establishing a daily routine can also help your child stay on task and not slack off to pursue personal interests.
8. Take them on a field trip
Taking the whole family on a field trip is an excellent way for children to bond and learn about new places.
9. Have them write a children’s book
Now, this is a project kids will love doing! Teach your children the fun of writing a kid’s book and encourage them to make up stories to entertain their friends.
10. Get them involved in a sport
Most kids love playing sports. Not only are they fun, but they are also an excellent way to keep fit. They can also help boost their self-esteem.
Benefits of summer learning at home
- More time for teaching.
- Children are more independent during summer vacation
- High-quality enrichment programs are available to children at no cost to their parents.
- A sense of accomplishment and confidence is gained and enhanced when children have the opportunity to explore, play, and learn new skills on their terms.
- Children’s curiosity is piqued when they can follow through with their interests without a set curriculum being the only choice.
- More opportunities for children to explore new interests and hobbies.
- Parental involvement is enhanced because children can ask questions, and parents are available to help them understand what they are doing or why they are doing it.
- More time for self-directed learning, particularly if children have access to some form of television at home. Television may be too passive a medium as no effort is required from the child to follow the plot, characters, or actions of programs.
- Children involved in highly structured summer programs tend to focus more on their peers and lesson learning.
- Children’s productivity at home is enhanced because they know what they are supposed to do at home and don’t have lessons imposed on them. In this way, time is used more efficiently, especially if children have an area where they can work uninterrupted with some adult guidance.
Should I force my child to learn new things during summer?
For many children, summers are the most carefree time of the year. It is when they get to play outdoors, explore their world and have fun with friends. It can also be a time for discoveries and learning. If you want your child to continue learning during summer vacation, there are some things you should consider.
How many hours should I ask my child to spend in summer learning?
There is no magic number of hours for how much time your child should spend learning in the summer. It all depends on their age and the material they are studying. The more intense or advanced the fabric, the more time your child will need to look outside school hours.
Should I get my child a tutor?
Tutoring can be a good idea for children who are struggling with certain subjects and need extra help. But make sure that your child does not go to someone outside of your teacher for help. Many students feel this is cheating, which can lead to a loss of respect for other students.
Should I limit what my child can do this summer?
There is no limit to what they can do during the summer. However, if you feel that limits will help keep them focused, there are many ways you can limit their activities in one way or another.
The summer is the time for children to have fun, but it is also a time to learn and grow. If you keep your child engaged and make sure they are always having fun, they will continue to be motivated during the summer. You can do this by getting them involved in new activities or new environments. Doing so will help them advance in their personal growth over the summer, which will prepare them for a successful school year.
Should you have other suggestions or questions, please leave us a comment below. We will be glad to exchange thoughts with you!
