Summer is a time we all look forward to. Kids especially since they don’t have to go to school. However, statistics show that students seem to regress academically during the summer months. This is commonly referred to as the Summer Slide. With that information in mind, I try to incorporate educational activities into our summer fun. Here are a few tips I use to avoid the Summer Slide.
1. Have a summer schedule
During the summer it’s easy to lose track of time and get behind schedule. I try to start the summer with an updated chore chart and daily schedule for the entire family. Having dedicated time slots affords me the flexibility to manage the household tasks effectively. This makes my life a bit easier because my kids are not constantly asking me the same questions regarding a scheduled event.
2. Create an education station
We typically start our day with a simple morning routine. This includes getting dressed and eating breakfast. After morning chores are completed, we will dive into our educational time. During this time the kids will either complete some pages in a workbook or a printable from a wonderful website filled with resources.
I like to use the site Teachers Pay Teachers for worksheets and activities. Teachers Pay Teachers is the go-to place to find the resources and inspiration you need to teach at your best. You will find state standards aligned material to address needs for every grade, subject, and specialty. We have been happily using a combination of resources from Teachers Pay Teachers for years.
3. Educational outings
Going on outings within our community is an endeavor we all look forward to. Columbia has so many family-friendly spots that offer perfect learning opportunities.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden boasts many exhibits that educate and inform kids with an enjoyable approach. Waterfall Junction is always a hit as well. During the summer months, the kids love playing in the splash area and afterward relaxing with a snack or two.
Richland Library always has great activities for kids! The Summer Learning Challenge is a great way to keep your kids engaged and reading all summer long. Children complete reading challenges and activities to earn prizes. The program runs through August 10, so there’s still time to participate.
Taking your kids grocery shopping may not seem like an educational outing, but it actually is! I use my grocery shopping trip to review colors, numbers, and food identification with my preschooler. My older child will practice reading, ingredient selection, and budgeting.
4. Exercise
My kids are a ball of energy and I wish I had a fraction of their vigor! I find going outdoors and exercising together helps us avoid cabin fever. Simple walks around the neighborhood are the perfect occasion to practice direction, counting, and history, to name a few. A lot of the names within our previous community had a very colorful past and discussing the origin gives me ample educational material.
Family dance parties are a must and help the kids get their wiggles out. Listening to music ranging from hip hop to classical sparks their creativity! Clapping to the beat, making a new rhythm, or even humming along to the tune is something we all can do together without any preparation. I have even jogged with the girls singing Army cadences with revised lyrics. Exercising is a great way to practice numbers because you can count while holding a stretch.
5. Educational websites
There are so many educational programs and websites that are designed for specific age groups. The subjects vary and, as I’ve learned from homeschooling, the games can be challenging if you are up for the task.
We are subscribers to ABC Ya, ABC Mouse, and Tiny Tap. There are also many educational series on Disney + and Netflix. Having electronics adds a component to our educational time that allows me to reinforce topics previously learned throughout the school year. When used responsibly, we encourage the kids to play a few games on their tablet or we will watch a nature series as a family.
I am optimistic for all of the activities and adventures we will embark this season. Cheers to a fantastic summer!
