Ah, the lazy hazy days of summer.
Picture it: Games of badminton on the lawn, swinging in the park, swimming outside, sticky popsicles, and: MATH ACTIVITY WORKBOOKS! Ugh. I don’t think so.
Let’s face it, workbooks have no place among summer activities. Regular routines of instrument practice, reading exercises, writing, and math can become big party-poopers in the summer.
As an education blogger, I am not suggesting that learning grind to a halt in warm weather. I am instead recommending that you consider giving some regular learning activities a summer makeover. Here is a sample “look” for a summer makeover:
READING
WINTER : BEFORE
Assigned chapters for school, reading comprehension questions, fireside reading, audiobooks in the car.
SUMMER : AFTER
Read anything and everything including comics and magazines, no questions, poolside reading, audio books on the patio.
WRITING
WINTER : BEFORE
Structured paragraphs, essays, journals.
SUMMER : AFTER
Freestyle poetry, vacation scrapbooks with photos and descriptive writing, nature journals.
MATH
WINTER: BEFORE
Workbooks, flashcards, online practice.
SUMMER: AFTER
Measuring plant growth in the garden, fractions in the sand with measuring spoons and cups, counting with sticks and stones.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PRACTICE
WINTER: BEFORE
Lessons, 30 minutes a day, assigned pieces.
SUMMER: AFTER
No lessons, play throughout the week in spurts, replay old favourites.
If you would like to encourage your kids to love learning throughout the seasons, I recommend you let some of the structure slide this summer. (No pun intended.)
With some simple modifications outlined in the makeover, learning can be easily incorporated into summer fun. No more party-pooper workbooks! Kids need time to play and rejuvenate, just like you.
p.s. Don’t forget summer camps that foster your child’s passions in a fun, social setting.
How do you incorporate learning into the lazy days of summer?
For Further Reading:
Earth Day Math: Take Your Learning Outdoors.
Exploring Sand with Preschoolers
What Families Can Do To Keep Kids Reading During the Summer
