Curious Parents Education Resources

Education

Extend LEARNING through the SUMMER the FUN Way
By Morton Tener

More time in school doesn’t add up to more intelligent students. It doesn’t work that way. Ask any teacher and they’ll tell you that you can’t improve learning unless it’s quality time. Ask any kid, and, well, they’ll just shout no.

If students aren’t motivated, a longer school year will only discourage them. If students want to learn, provide them with learning experiences where they can apply knowledge during the summer in a way that won’t stress their minds the way, say, final exams do.

This summer, help your child stimulate their mind and take advantage of fun, educational opportunities outside of class while still giving them a break from the pressures of school. Here are a couple of examples, but you know your child best, so you can always tweak them:

Language Arts

• Utilize the wonders and value of the public library.

• Search for informational or educational television programs.

• Encourage writing letters to friends they might not see over the break.

• Word games like Scrabble or Word Finds can increase a child’s vocabulary and improve spelling.

• Read to your child often. Let your child pick a favorite story and ask them questions and have them explain the pictures.

Mathematics

• Use a compass.

• Keep daily weather records.

• Estimate heights and weights of objects.

• Play number games such as dominoes, bingo, and board games.

• Compare measurements such as acres, square miles, and square yards.

• Measure distances on a map relative to bus trips, hikes, shopping trips, or even something as simple as running errands.

Art

• Photograph interesting outdoor objects.

• Draw pictures of local interesting sites.

• Go to an exhibit of handicrafts.

Music

• Sing along with CDs.

• Let your child compose songs.

• If they play an instrument, encourage practice time.

• A toy piano or toy drum can be a good way to learn the rudiments of rhythm and time.

Science

• Introduce children to basic astronomy by having a star party.

• Build and maintain a nature den.

• Make constellation charts.

• Explore little climates.

Social Studies

• Learn about local customs.

• Write themes about the original inhabitants.

• Study the livelihoods of inhabitants in a particular area.

• Apply elementary concepts of economics in particular areas.

Morton Tener is a freelance writer and professor at Rowan University.