Don't Let Kids Educationally Slide This Summer

Research shows many kids "slide" up to 30% during the summer months. Don't let that happen to you.

• Have your kids read 30 minutes every day.
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• Pick one country a week (or state) this summer and spend a few minutes each day learning about that country or state. Then, cook a meal from that country or state. We recently did Georgia, and had peached from Georgia and southern BBQ ribs.
  

• Play fun math games to keep the skills up, such as math bingo or other games.
  

• Take a weekly field trip to places such as art gallery, museums, farmers market, zoo, park or businesses that give tours.
  

• Learn a new game or sport, and the history of it. Then invite other children over to play it.
  

• Many park department and libraries have summer programs. Find one and check it out.
  

• Have them take up swim lessons if they can't already swim.
  

• Study the history of your town, state or of your home or neighborhood.

• Check out the area for summer VBS programs and camps.

• Do a summer co-op with 2 other families who have kids the same age. You do an activity with all of the kids on Monday, another parent does Tues, another Wed. This gives each parent one free day, one day with other kids and the rest of the week as a family. When it is my turn, this is often the day we do our field trip. The kids have more fun when at the zoo or pool or park with friends. Be sure to get permission slips, if needed.

Don't just let them sit around and play video games all summer and watch TV. Have them get some exercise, learn and have fun!