(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Keeping Minds Sharp All Season
Written By: Anna Norton, The Literacy and Learning Center | Issue: July 2024
There are plenty of activities to keep children engaged throughout the Busy Season.
Summer is a time for carefree days, family adventures, and much-needed relaxation. But for parents, it can also mean a quiet worry — the dreaded “summer slide.” This refers to the potential learning loss students experience during the break from structured schooling.
Don’t fret! The good news is that the summer- slide can be prevented without turning your home into a classroom. Try some of these fun and engaging ways to keep your child’s mind active, whether you’re at home or on vacation.
At Home Activities:
• Read Everywhere, Every Day: Pack a library bag on your next outing. Encourage reading in different locations, such as the park, the lake, and the backyard hammock. Make it a family activity, and take turns reading aloud.
• Turn Errands into Learning Adventures: For older children, grocery shopping becomes a math lesson with estimations and comparisons. For younger learners, pick up a Shop for Words card in front of Bryson’s market. Exploring a new hiking trail can become a science and geography adventure. Discuss what you see and learn about the Plateau’s flora and fauna.
• Get Creative: Arts and crafts projects encourage imagination and fine motor skills. Write and illustrate a story together about your summer adventures.
• Board Games and Puzzles: These classic activities are a great way to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and vocabulary skills.
On-the-Go Activities:
• Travel Journals: Encourage your child to write and draw about their experiences. This helps with memory retention and storytelling skills.
• Visit Museums and Historical Sites: Learning doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks. Museums and historical sites offer interactive exhibits and programs that spark curiosity and a love of learning.
Are you looking for a structured learning experience this summer? The Literacy & Learning Center offers engaging and enriching summer camps for kids! From Chef Camp to Digital Leadership Camp, TL&LC provides a fun and stimulating environment to keep young minds sharp and curious throughout the summer. In addition, individual tutoring options are available for students who need some extra one-on-one support.
Remember, by incorporating small, engaging activities into your family’s daily routine, you can prevent the summer slide, ensure your child returns to school in the fall ready to learn and grow and instill a love of learning!
