How to Keep the Kids Learning While on Summer Break

Do your kids get summer brain? I know mine do and it makes it so hard to get them back into the groove of school once summer comes to an end. I’ve decided that this year I am not going to let summer brain happen in my household. I’ve come up with a strategy to keep the kids learning while on summer break.

The key to keeping the kids learning while on summer break is to make it fun! Children of all ages look forward to their summer break; they’ve worked hard all year. The best part about education is you can make it fun, and the kids won’t even realize what you are doing.

How to Keep the Kids Learning While on Summer Break

1. Play Board Games – What child doesn’t love playing board games? I know my boys LOVE their video games and that’s fine with me. I also know that they love interacting with me. The minute I lay down on the floor with a board game, their xBox remotes get set down. Kids naturally crave attention from their parents, so they’ll be more than happy to play a game of Monopoly with you.

You’ll have to pick your board games based on the age of your child. Some of our favorites are Yahtzee, PayDay, Life and Monopoly. All four of these games require you do use your brain and some math skills.

2. Visit Museums – Museums are a great place to take a day trip during the summer months. You can get out of the heat, and the admission is normally very affordable. Spend the day touring a local museum and engage your child in a conversation about the museum. Make sure to ask your child questions that require them to think critically.

Take your visit a step further and take lots of pictures while there and make a collage at home. You can also come up with a craft or science project based on your museum visit.

3. Vacation at State and National Parks – Amusement parks are great, but they are expensive, the lines are long, and the educational value is lacking for the most part. While this doesn’t mean I don’t take my kids to amusement parks, because I do, I just think taking a vacation at a state or national gives families the opportunity to bond on a different level and add in some education. Most state and national parks offer educational classes about the parks environment. You can also take hikes and check out the different fish, birds, and animals the parks has. Your kids will have a blast and won’t even realize what a wonderful educational lesson they got at the same time.

4. Watch Documentaries – Not all documentaries are going to be suitable for all age groups. Use your best judgement when picking out a documentary to watch with your child. However, there are some great ones on J.F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, different inventors, animals, the universe and much more! Let your child have a say when picking out a documentary to watch. Ask your child questions while you are watching and make sure to answer your child’s questions or at least help them find an answer.

5. Read, Read & Read Some More – This should probably go without saying, but encourage your child to read all summer long! I don’t care what my children are reading as long as they are reading. My son loves to read magazines on video games. While this might not be the best option, the point is he is engaged and reading. Anything to exercise their brain is win in my book.