Summer Learning Ideas
Summer learning. The goal for learning throughout the summer is to set your child up for success for the upcoming school year. I am coming to you from a former teacher’s point of view. I am NOT suggesting that you create a full homeschool schedule for your kids this summer. However, 20 minutes of summer learning a few times a week can really set your kids up for success for the upcoming school year. My goal is not to teach new concepts throughout the summer but to practice what they have already learned.
I think this is beneficial no matter what your child’s age.
Reasons to have summer learning time
1. Helps provide rhythms for the day.
2. Keeps things fresh in your child’s mind.
3. Instills confidence in their abilities.
4. Helps prepare them for the next school year.
Simple ways to add learning into your summer
There are a lot of workbooks that have a fun set up and a few pages a day is really all you need. However, you don’t need to purchase anything to add in some learning fun.
1. Math facts
This is one of the most important areas to practice in my opinion over the summer.. As a former math teacher, the students who struggle with basic arithmetic start the year with a simple lack of confidence. You, the parent, do not have to be good at math to help your child grow in this area. Depending on their age give them simple math problems. I am talking, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division here. Have your child do 10 problems a day. If those basic things are practiced your child will have so much confidence moving into algebra and higher things. If you have a middle schooler, have them practice basic algebra problems solving for x. The students who struggle with math are the ones who feel that they just aren’t good at math. That can be squashed at a young age if some hard work is put in.
2. Handwriting
This is mainly for younger kids. But if your little first grader hasn’t touched a pencil, written their name or a single number all summer, the beginning of the year will be a little rough. But kid’s of any age could really benefit from handwriting practice.
3. Reading
This is great for any age. Make your local library a weekly thing to visit. Find subjects that your child enjoys and get them books about those subjects.
Stay tuned for a blog post on this subject tomorrow.
4. Writing
Ask your child to write a couple sentences about things that happen throughout the summer. Tell about a family vacation. Write about a book that they read. Just something to keep those creative juices flowing.
I found these creative writing prompts from Playdough to Plato
Summer learning products
I have included many different options below. If you do not see the grade level for your child you can follow the link for the Highlights, Brain Quest, and many of the others and you can find the correct one for your child.
I have also included some hands on activities and creative sets to keep your child busy throughout the summer.
If you are looking for more family activities, check out this blog post – Family Game Night There are lots of family games as well as educational games to have fun learning with your child.
Reusable Workbook | Writing practice | My phonics workbook | My Sight Words | Highlights Summer Workbook | Addition + Subtractions | Brain Quest Workbook | Big First Grade | First Grade Big Workbook | Summer Brain Quest 4th + 5th | Kids Summer Academy 6th + 7th | The Big Fat Middle School Math Workbook | Brain Quest 6th
Summer can be dauting. But God has equipped you for everything you need to raise your little humans that he has trusted you with. Don’t be overwhelmed. Try starting with 10 -15 minutes of focused educational time and work up from there. I strive to create an atmosphere where learning is encourage and lots of fun.