Summer break is every student’s favorite time of the year. Three months of sunshine, play, and fun! It is a well-deserved period of relaxation and rejuvenation after months of hard work and academic commitments. In this period, students have the freedom to explore and immerse themselves in a multitude of activities—especially those that require more time and dedication than what they can offer during the school year.
While the summer months are synonymous with fun, it is also important to strike a balance with continued learning. By finding a blend of enjoyable activities and educational experiences, students can get the most out of their summer break and return to school in the fall feeling refreshed and ready to learn.
Here are some activities to keep your child learning throughout the summer break:
Enroll in summer classes/camps
The most direct way of continuing learning is to take part in summer classes or camps. Many students take classes to reinforce their knowledge or get ahead in certain subjects. For high school students, standardized test preparation classes are common. For a more diverse and holistic learning experience beyond the traditional classroom one, summer camps can be an enriching opportunity. These camps offer a variety of activities and themes that cater to different interests; to name a few—there are science, theater, robotics, and leadership camps.
Participate in reading programs
Many county libraries offer a reading program for children during the summer. These programs often include incentives like rewards and prizes for reaching reading goals. This is an excellent way to encourage children to read more—especially at their own pace and volition. Children are more likely to develop a love for reading if they discover books that interest them on their own, as opposed to being told to read specific titles. Visit your county library site to view upcoming events and programs to help support your child’s reading journey.
Take swimming lessons
Swimming is a very useful skill to learn, and summer is the perfect time to do so. For those new to swimming, it can be a bit intimidating to get started. Enrolling your child in classes can help provide them with both professional guidance and structure, making their learning experience enjoyable and safe. Swimming is also a great form of exercise because it is a full-body workout, meaning muscles in the arms, legs, core, and back are all engaged. If you’re expecting your child to spend a lot of time near pools or water, knowing how to swim is key.
Conduct at-home science experiments
Whether it is learning how to make slime or creating a makeshift eruption with Mentos and Coke, teaching kids scientific concepts at home can be both educational and exciting. Here is a list of 70 easy science experiments you can do at home with your child. When conducting these experiments, make sure to engage in discussion with your child to explain the scientific principles behind them. This can include asking questions to promote their understanding or fostering conversation about various scientific topics. This form of dialogue enriches your child’s learning experience, as well as stimulating their curiosity and critical thinking skills.
Learn how to cook
You don’t often see kids in the kitchen, but involving them in cooking activities can be a valuable and rewarding experience. Cooking and baking are opportunities to teach children about different forms of measurement and the importance of following instructions. At the end of the cooking session, you all can enjoy a great meal and have a sense of accomplishment. In addition to equipping your child with a new skill set, cooking also provides a chance to explore various flavors and cuisines as a family.
Go on nature walks
With the warm weather that summer brings, it makes sense to get outside for some vitamin D and fresh air. Take your child on nature walks or hikes, and prompt them to observe and ask questions. It is a great opportunity to take a break from technology and simply enjoy all that nature has to offer. Walking is also a great form of exercise, promoting physical health and well-being. Studies have found that 75% of U.S. high school students don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity—an hour per day.
Visit a museum
Museums offer a wealth of knowledge and interactive exhibits that can spark curiosity. Exploring museums exposes children to various subjects such as history, art, science, and culture; they can be great supplemental field trips, providing more context into the topics covered in the classroom and even those that aren’t. Some museums also offer hands-on and interactive experiences, which take the learning experience to a whole new level because children are then able to actively engage with the displays. Make sure to check the museum’s programming, as there are often special exhibitions or workshops hosted for children in the summer.
Student Hires Afterschool Programs
At Student Hires, we place a strong emphasis on helping students excel both inside and outside of the classroom. Our programs aim to provide students with the right resources to do well academically and to prepare students in various areas of career development. We have several programs ranging from K-12 after-school/summer programs to workforce development programs. In line with the conversation around extracurriculars, we also offer enrichment programs that allow students to explore their creative passions. Contact us to learn more about how we can create a custom-tailored program to meet your needs.
Conclusion
Summer break offers students with a lot more time on their hands than they know what to do with it. Thus, it is essential that students fill their days with meaningful activities that both engage their interests and promote continuous learning. Doing so reframes summer break as a valuable period of growth and personal development, as students will be able to have fun and enrich their minds. Instead of letting these 3 months slip away into unproductive idleness, parents can help students seize the opportunity to expand their knowledge.