Summer is definitely a time for students to take a break from the academic pressures of the school year . It is a time to refuel, re-energize and relax. And it can be an optimal time for some practical family learning opportunities. Many children enroll in summer camps that explore science topics, technology and mathematics concepts, which are a great way to continue learning in a fun environment. Other students take family vacations abroad, visit historical sites and discover marine life while at the beach. Opportunities to learn are all around us and the summer lends a special time for families to discover together. Here are some practical ideas to keep your child learning and practicing skills in a fun and meaningful way this summer.
- Keep a journal of summer activities. For younger students, let them pick out and decorate a special summer journal. Throughout the summer, they can draw a picture to represent a special activity and write about it. Depending on their age, it may be letters strung together, a complete sentence or a complete paragraph. Just let them write without the pressure of being graded or assessed. For older students, starting an online blog of summer activities is a fun way to use technology to motivate students to write. They can invite friends and family to read their blog and leave comments. Check out the top 10 free blog sites here!
- Cook, build and sell with your child this summer. Whether is it making a recipe together, building a tree house or setting up a lemonade stand, math is all around us. Letting our children figure out how to divide recipes, measure building materials or make change for a dollar keeps them excited about math and shows them how the concepts they learn in school apply to the real world.
- Download learning apps for long car or plane rides for your child to practice specific skills. Here are some suggestions for elementary students: http://elearningindustry.com/15-free-must-have-ipad-apps-for-elementary-students, middle school students: http://www.bestappsforkids.com/category/apps-by-age-grade/middle-school/ and for high school: http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/29/best-educational-apps-for-high-school-students/
- READ, READ, READ! It doesn’t matter if it is a comic book, a magazine, a novel, a newspaper…just as long as your child is exposed to different forms of print, let them enjoy the freedom to read what they wish. It will increase motivation for reading, expand their vocabulary and help build strong fluency. Check with your school or local library if you are interested in book recommendations for certain ages.
LS Tutors are available to work with students over the summer. Many students like support on their summer math and reading packets from school. Others prefer to get extra practice on skills that were challenging over the past school year. Whatever your need, if you would like an LS Tutor to work with your child this summer, please contact us now!
Regards,
Lori Solovey
LS TUTOR HIGHLIGHT: MEET KYLE B.