Summer Learning

In Focus: Summer Learning


Summer has its own rhythm. It's the perfect time to try new activities, pique your child's curiosity about the world, and enrich literacy skills developed during the school year. And the longer days promise lots of extra time for pleasure reading. Here are 5 simple ways to stop the 'summer slide' and keep your kids actively learning through July and August.

1. Build Background Knowledge, Side by Side
Children are full of questions about the world around them. Tap into your child's interests and start a journey of discovery together.


2. The Night Before the Museum: Get the Most Out of Field Trips
Whether you're going to the zoo, the museum, or a state park, there are a few "stops" to make before you get on your way.



3. Rediscover Your Public Library
Here are 9 reasons to go visit your local library, where everything is free.
Top 9 reasons to go visit
1.Free programs and activities: From author visits to puppet shows to family films, libraries offer programs with kid appeal after school, on the weekends, and during the summer. Ask your librarian for the schedule of upcoming events.
2.Story times: There's nothing like hearing a good story read by someone who loves to read aloud. Libraries are terrific settings for story times which often include finger plays, games, songs, and crafts that can be learned and enjoyed again at home.
3.Workshops: Many libraries offer workshops that can help enrich your life as an adult and support you as a parent. At many libraries, it is possible to learn to knit, prepare your taxes, update your résumé, gain computer skills, or improve your parenting skills.
4.Books: Librarians are happy to make recommendations and most public libraries have a special section just for children's books.
5.Audiobooks: Listened to a good book lately? Most libraries have a collection of popular adult and children's titles available for checkout on tape or CD.
6.Movies: Your public library is a great source for free access to the latest blockbusters, family movie classics, documentaries, or favorite TV shows.
7.Music: Want to introduce your children to Beethoven or the Beatles or new children's songs? Check to see if your library has a collection of music on CD.
8.Magazines and newspapers: Introduce your child to some of the magazines designed just for children. With bold photographs, poems and a joke or two, magazines are another reading choice for beginning readers. Or catch up on the news in your community and share a smile over the comics.
9.Computers: Most public libraries offer free Internet access, computers with educational games for kids, and valuable online resources for teenagers.

4. Open Up a Book Club
Family or community book clubs are social, low-key, and fun. You'll discover that you have lots to talk about as you dive into new books together. The active discussions are a great way to help strengthen comprehension skills, too.

5. Crickets, Books, and Bach: Start a Summer Listening Program
In addition to a summer reading list, consider putting together a summer listening list, too. With more and more kids plugged into iPods and other audio devices, the importance of learning to listen and listening to learn is greater than ever.