5 Ways to Help Balance your Child’s Summer Learning

Technology is great. Tech gadgets are interactive and fun for children to use, but giving him or her an electronic device this summer as your sole means of teaching your child how to gain a competitive edge needs to be done with a balanced approach. Having a comfortable handle on technology alone does not give a child all of the benefits he or she needs to excel. Learning how to communicate and interact with others effectively is extremely important. Also, moving around and experiencing life through exercise and physical play is also important for your child to become well-rounded. So do you ditch your iPad and hang out at the beach all day with your child. Maybe or Maybe not? I am merely suggesting that you consider incorporating both into your summer routine.

For instance, the beach can be a great place for a child to learn about marine life, how shells protect, water safety, the oceans in the world, geography, the difference between salt water and fresh water, the different beach sounds that exist, etc. Here are some tools and ideas to keep in mind as you plan your summer activities and teach your child at the same time.

1. PLAN

When considering your summer vacation, family trip, or your child’s summer routine, take out a piece of paper or your tablet and jot down a few lessons that your child can learn while participating in the activity that you have decided for him or her this summer.

If you and your child are staying home this summer. Have a list of items that you want your child to be familiar with or to learn by the end of the summer.

Summer is a great time to work on the weak areas that your child may have experienced during the school year. You can go over the lessons and help your child gain new understanding. It is also a good time to try to creatively review the lessons that were presented throughout the year.

5 ways to balance summer learning

2. RESEARCH

Second, gather books that will be related to what ever you are planning to do, or related to the region that you are planning to visit. This way you can prepare your child for the upcoming trip and get your child’s mind thinking about related questions to ask.

This is also a great way to use your tablet to check out digital library books on the subject matter or buy electronic books so that your luggage is not impacted by extra learning materials.

If your child’s school has a summer reading list, feel free to help your child expand his or her environment through book adventures.

3. MAKE IT FUN

Almost every child will tell you that summer is all about fun. They just want to have fun. Learning is fun. Play games as a family. Yes, pencil in something interactive that the entire family will enjoy. Even if it is a mystery game at the dinner table that you make up. Use your imagination to try to include your child in your plans.

In addition, be sure to check out Sylvan Learning Center’s new blog, Mom Minded (www.momminded.com), which is a great resource for summer learning ideas, tips and tricks.

4. BE FLEXIBLE

The joys of having summer vacation is that children may not be compelled to stick to a rigid daily schedule, while having some sort of agenda is a must, allow time occasionally for flexibility too. Some children really rely on have a strict schedule so know your child and be flexible based on what he or she can handle.

5 Ways to Balance Elementary Students Summer Learning

5. ENCOURAGE DIVERSITY

There should be a variety of activities for your child to consider trying. Sometimes a little exposure to something new may peak your child’s interest and create a spark that you never knew he or she possessed.

Therefore, help your child meet knew people and explore new cultures. The world we live in is vast and there are many lessons  families can learn by interacting together. Be open and willing to let your child see you trying new things and meet new people as well. We often tell our children that “the world is our oyster.” Well, that statement is true, but they don’t get the point unless we are living the lives our words are saying.

“Did you know that it only takes 66 days to form a new habit, so this summer is the perfect time to be forming good learning routines.”

To help get your summer started, Sylvan Learning Center is willing to provide a book giveaway to one of my readers with a summer beach bag packed with books (for kids and adults). The ARP value is $100.

Some titles include:

  1. A Day at The Seashore: Ages 3-7 ($3.99)
  2. Turtle in Paradise: Age 8 and Up ($7.99)
  3. The Secret Ingredient: Teens ($17.99)
  4. Icky Ricky: Ages 6-9 ($4.99)
  5. Burning:  Teens ($16.99)
  6. Meant To Be: Teens/Adults ($17.99)

GIVEAWAY ~ CLOSED

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