Okay, so summer is here and the kids just want to play. They are done with school and don’t want to see a flash card or worksheet until September…realistically the end of August. But, as a parent, you know they need to continue to read and do “school stuff” at least a little bit to keep their little heads in the game. You really don’t want them to be a victim of the so-called “summer slide”.
So, what’s a momma to do? Well, call me the “mean mom”, but I’m carving out about a half-hour four days a week for a little summer school, if you will. What does this entail?
1. Reading a book– For my older daughter, this means reading a book to me. For my younger daughter, it means reading a book to her. No TV. No electronics. Just us and the books. Sometimes the reading to me part takes a bit longer depending on how many words we need to stretch out. Don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of times when I just want to shout out the word. But, I control myself and remember that she has to do it if she wants to become a better reader.
2. Summer Packet– This one is just for my soon-to-be first grader. Her school sent home a packet of little learning activities to reinforce some of the Kindergarten lessons. From rhyming words to addition, there is plenty to do here. We’re just taking it page by page.
3. Workbook Bonanza– Okay, so the bargain shopper in me went a little crazy here. I found a great dollar store that had tons of workbooks for pretty much every age group. So I bought a bunch for each of my kids. These are great to freshen up skills already learned as well as to learn some new ones. The best part is that each fab book was only a buck.
4. The “Write” Stuff– My older daughter writes in a summer journal that was sent home while my pre-schooler practices her letters. This way both kids are writing at the same time so no one feels left out.
5. Done in a Flash Card– From sight words to simple math, we love flash cards in my house. This is a quick way to know what your child actually remembers. You can make games out of them by seeing how many they can get right. If you can’t find what you need in a store, you can easily make them yourself with index cards so that you can customize them to your child’s needs.
So, this little curriculum isn’t so bad, right? I mean, it’s not like I’m bombarding my kids. There is still plenty of time for fun.
What do you do to keep your kids learning over the summer?
I think reading is the best learning activity. Take your kids to the library once a week. They don’t need the workbooks and worksheets- unless they love them. If you help them to love reading, they will be set for success in school. I am a Reading Specialist, and the research in reading has one clear conclusion- the more you read the better you read!
Reading is great. I love it now that my 5-year-old can actually read some books to me:)
Great Ideas! It is good to have some tech free time. We do the summer reading program at the library. Thanks for sharing!
Hey there! This is so similar to my lazy summer lessons! Love it. 🙂
Great minds! Have a great summer:)
I love how “even” it is during learning time at your house. We’re homeschooling (1st grade soon) and I think my daughter would like to use/make flashcards. Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by! Good luck with the flashcards:)
I did many of those same things with my girls, when they were growing up. We traveled a lot in a motor home with my parents. We gave the girls a certain amount of things they must accomplish but then rewarded them with spending money for doing extra work. It gave them a little extra money in their pockets and a few more stimulated brain cells at the same time.
Love these ideas. I know I need to at least get my kids reading on a regular basis this summer.
Good luck 🙂 enjoy your summer!
Oooh, you’ve selected some great summer learning materials here! My kids never tire of workbooks… lol.
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo