Keeping Middle School Minds Sharp Over Summer Break

Educators know that learning isn't just a nine-month proposition, and they fret over "summer slide." Students notoriously lose ground during this break. As a parent, you can play a significant role in helping your son or daughter experience a productive summer. Once your child has enjoyed that first week of rest and relaxation, encourage him to set goals for June, July and August. Lead him toward engaging activities that he may not encounter in middle school.

Specialized Class

Enroll your teen in an academic class aimed at enrichment. Perhaps it will spark interest in an untapped area. Your daughter may find out that she has a musical talent or a flair for drama. Instead of sitting in front of a computer playing video games, she could be designing them. By the end of a two-week class, she will have created her own video game and stretched her brain in a new direction.

Entrepreneurial Experience

Boys and girls learn vital math and organizational skills when they plan and execute small business ventures. Guide your son as he sets up a yard sale. He can research prices and mark items to one-third their original value. He'll need to place an ad in the local paper and display his wares in an organized fashion. On the day of the sale, he'll make change for customers and interact with them.

Photo Story

During a family vacation, a middle school student can take pictures, highlighting the trip. If the family doesn't go on vacation, visit a local park, museum or area of interest. The teen then creates a booklet based on his favorite photos. He can make the book from tag board, or design one on the computer using a program such as PowerPoint. A descriptive story should accompany the pictures. This not only serves as an enhancement to writing but will also be a treasured keepsake.

Household Finances

Budget, interest rates and finance are topics not typically covered much before high school. When I taught middle school math, however, I found that students had a plethora of questions on these topics. They were shocked to discover that a $25,000 car loan would cost several thousand more dollars due to interest. Involve your child in the household budget. Show him credit card statements and the interest that accrues when debt lingers. Let him plan the week's grocery list with limited funds. He can also devise his own personal budget, placing earned money into savings, spending and charity jars and opening a bank account when he has sufficient funds.

Fortification Tutoring

Students have a lot on their plates in middle school. They are dealing with 5 or 6 different teachers and many peer issues. If your child has anxiety about a particular subject-possibly math-hire a tutor to work with her over the summer. Obtain the curriculum guide for her upcoming grade level. This will keep her mind active and boost confidence. Summer school is not as effective, due to the student/teacher ratio. If you can't afford a tutor, monitor your child as she uses free online educational tutoring videos such as those provided by Khan Academy.