How to Keep Your Kids Learning All Summer Long

When temperatures start to rise, teachers and students start counting down the days to summer vacation. Visions of lazy summer days start to dance in their heads. The teachers, however, know one fact that the students might not. Come August and September, most kids have forgotten what was once fresh in their minds. All teachers know that the first month and a half after summer break will be spent reviewing material from the previous year. However, as a parent you can help your child retain as much as possible, even through the summer. Here are some easy tips:

- Go to the library. What could be better than free air conditioning and all of the books you and your children can carry? Reading will help your kids keep learning, and stop their minds from turning to mush over the summer. For younger kids who are still honing their skills, don't worry so much about what they're reading, as long as it is age-appropriate. For older kids, try encouraging them to read some classics.

- Enlist the school's help. Many teachers send home a packet full of worksheets intended to keep skills sharp and have kids more prepared for the upcoming year. Have your kids do a page or two each day from these packets. If the teacher sends home a summer reading list, have your child choose one or two books from the list to read over the summer.

- Go somewhere. An educational field trip doesn't have to involve a museum. The local zoo is a great place to study science, and the beach is a prime site to talk about water safety.

- Limit screen time. When that mercury goes through the roof, it's easy for kids (and adults) to while away the days in front of the TV, computer, or video games. Put strict limits on screen time, and stick to them. Have a ready supply of alternative activities when you declare that its time to turn off the tube.

- Rotate toys. Set aside some little-used toys now and declare them off limits until mid June, when the doldrums typically hit. Reintroduce the toys then, and you'll have the novelty of something new without the expense.

- Learn something new together. Summer vacation is a great time to do something that you don't have time for during the school year. Ask your kids what they'd be interested in learning about, and see where you end up.

These easy tips will not only ensure that you have a great summer with your kids, they'll also keep to a minimum the "brain drain" of the summer months.
Have a great summer, and keep learning!