Summertime Learning Can Be Fun

By Kim Asche
University of Minnesota Extension
Regional Office, Hutchinson
Children are relieved to have summer break from their classes. However, parents and teachers are often discouraged by the amount of learning children lose over summer break.

Studies show that children who read over the summer actually gain skills. The books don’t have to be about school subjects, but just by reading, students learn. What can parents or other adults in a child’s life do to encourage the child to keep learning during summer break?

With summer day light hours, try taking a favorite book outside to read. Perhaps, the neighbor children will join you for a great story time.

When you hear about a new movie coming to the theater, find the book the movie is based on. Read the book first and if they choose to go to the movie, it will provide added anticipation.

If your children are separated from a friend during the summer, encourage them to write letters. This will provide great writing skills to children of any age.

For older children, subscribe to a special magazine so they can learn about something they are interested in. You may find your child spending more time reading auto mechanics than they ever spent on home work.

The next step is to help your child tap into some great community agencies or organizations. You can find these in your local newspaper or telephone book. Also, you may choose to contact your local Extension Office for referrals or great children’s activities and bulletins.

Other places to look are your local library. One trip to the library can results in your child traveling across the world – through reading a book of course. Also, many libraries have story time or fun summer reading programs.

Visit a local zoo or nature center. If there is a favorite animal your children sees, follow up by checking out a book at the library so your child can read more about the animal.

If your community doesn’t have a zoo, let the children and their friends make an afternoon petting zoo. The children can write signs about the animals, write notices to the local paper to advertise, or any other great idea they discover.

Remember, learning happens when we least expect it. Try to connect reading or writing skills with the other fun things children are doing. Everyone will benefit from a little extra effort.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension.