“It’s SUMMERTIME!” and it’s about time that we are now able to get back to pre-COVID activities. Most of us are looking forward to those maskless outdoor events, and gathering with friends and family.

Taking a break from the school year that asked so much of our parents, educators, and children will provide an opportunity to recharge.

To keep it fun and light, while continuing to keep the noggin engaged, here are ten simple, fun, and effective learning activities to try.

1. Plan an event together

If kids are having a party or want to invite friends over, encourage them to help with the planning. Go to the store, set a budget, figure out how many packages of supplies are needed and practice estimating. Simply including your child in this process helps to support math and reasoning skills.

2. Encourage fun competition

Who can get somewhere the fastest? By how much time? How many points did you win by or will you need to win? Playing games – outdoors, or indoors, can all practice key math skills.

3. Start a journal

Decorate and start a journal to write down thoughts or draw. Simply spend time doing nothing but let the mind wander and dream can be a great way for children to practice literacy skills without feeling like they are being forced to write.

4. Try a hobby

Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to try. Scrapbooking? Cooking? A new sport? Go for it. It’s summer! Learning new things and keeping your child’s mind actively engaged in learning over the summer will set them up for success when they are back at school in the fall.

5. Go to a free museum

Make a list of museums that you’ve never heard of before or have never been to. Take a poll with your family and go! There are so many things to see and learn in museums–foster a love of social studies and science and immerse your child in an authentic learning experience in the process!

6. Support a cause or help someone in need.

The world is unfair and full of opportunities to help. What can you do, in simple small ways to help? This is a great option for practicing empathy and teaching responsibility and social justice.

7. Travel

It could simply be down the street to a local place you’ve never been to or somewhere you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t had time. Traveling opens eyes and teaches beyond what is in the books. Summer is a great time to travel while you’re out of school–your child will have a lot to share when they return to school in the fall.

8. Have a conversation

A deliberate one. Sit down and talk about something that interests you or your children. It can be over a meal, dessert, or around a campfire. No phones, no interruptions. Discussion is a key component of learning, and being an active listener shows your child that you are invested in their interests.

9. Try different foods

Broaden your taste buds and show your children that trying new things can be fun and rewarding. Learning about new cultures and food traditions is a fun way to appreciate different cuisines.

10. The last and my favorite….Try something new

It almost doesn’t matter what it is. Brain growth comes from introducing novelty. We all crave new things to do, learn, and try. Help your child engage their mind in new learning experiences, and set them up to be successful students in the process.

Sources

Keys to Brain Development
The Teenage Brain Is Wired to Learn—So Make Sure Your Students Know It
Prepare for Success