Fun Ideas to Keep the Summer Learning Going

Just because the school year has ended, doesn’t mean that your children have to stop learning! Why not keep the summer learning going, with some of these fun ideas?

Here are a few ways to maximize and keep the summer learning going without taking away from summer fun.

1. Exchange math texts for games

Math is definitely one of the subjects that is most forgotten over the summer. Keeping your children engaged with math throughout the summer is key to minimize forgotten skills.

One way to do this is with games. There are a plethora of games you can find at a thrift store or on Amazon that are fun but also math-based.

Here are a few of our favorites.

• Sum Swamp
• Head Full of Numbers
• Sequence Numbers
• Money Bags
• Pizza Fraction Fun
• Dino Math Tracks

Games are a fantastic method to encourage summer learning with the added benefit of spending time together as a family.

Check out 6 of My Favorite Homeschool Resources for more fun ways to review and drill over the summer, without textbooks.

2. Have a summer reading strategy

Did you know that kids regress in their learning during the summer? Be sure to get a plan in place to read aloud together, AND to keep them reading on a regular basis!

(Why You Should Read to Your Child Every Night)

Okay, now this might not be very exciting but  there is always joy in checking off  those little boxes, right?

If you have books that you wanted to read but overlooked or skipped, summer is a great time to do it.

Or, if you have a few miscellaneous worksheets that you’d like to finish, put them together in a folder and offer some kind of prize for completing the work.

4. Older kids can volunteer at a local museum or historical site

If you have older children, see if volunteering is an option. Check zoos, aquariums, museums, or wildlife preservations.

These are all exciting choices and typically they are on the lookout for young volunteers.

If your teen is looking to learn a trade, maybe they could do a summer apprenticeship. Check with local unions or even friends and family who work in the trade to see if they offer summer apprenticeships.

5. Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill like sewing, crocheting, painting with watercolors, or calligraphy can be done over the summer.

Children and adults alike can master a new skill in three to four months time.

Don’t think that learning can only come in the form of the 3 Rs. Life skills count too!

6.Video school

If you are a family that relishes hiding the school books for a couple months then I have one word for you . . . Netflix.

Netflix offers documentaries on just about everything imaginable. From woodworking to wars and culinary to cats, Netflix is a great way to keep the summer learning going.

Put the baby down for a nap, make some popcorn, and watch a documentary together. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself making lists of documentaries to watch next.

Get the kids involved in the list making. Their involvement will help minimize potential grumbling.

With these fun ideas, you will find that it is easier than you think to keep the summer learning going!

BONUS IDEA:  Add some character training to your summer with these 4 weeks of FREE character lessons![magicactionbox]