We parents can help our school-aged children beat the summer slump in a myriad of ways. The free tips don’t take away the fun of summer play time; in face they add entertainment value. It may take a little time and creativity on our part, but in the end it is worth it.
What is the Summer Slump?
When your child returns to school in the fall teachers spend a lot of time going over the previous year’s work because of the summer slump. Possibly due to lack of practice, rarely cracking open a book, using math skills or writing real English (vs. texting), many students lose what they have learned.
Free Tips to Beat The Summer Slump
- Library Programs – Public libraries hold free events during the summer that are fun and educational. Sign up your child for these type of events. Allow her to invite a friend or two. Don’t forget to leave extra time to look for books that your child is interested in.
- Concerts – Many communities offer free concerts during the summer. Take the children and talk about the type of music, instruments and the artists. Bring along a camera and take photos. If your child isn’t able to use your camera, buy a disposable camera
for him to use. Maybe the musicians and singers are open to taking to your child or giving them an autograph. Music is a learning tool in itself. With the additional sugestions your child is being creative and learning new vocabulary.
- Free Events – Whether close to home or needing a little bit of travel to attend, free events like group playdates, summer bowling, workshops at home improvement stores, National Park Get Outdoors Day, parades and free or low cost movies, admission to museums, zoos, county or 4H fairs and camping all provide educational opportunities for your child. Ask them to calculate (math) the costs (gas, food, tickets, etc.). Encourage them to map out your trip and find places of interest (geography) to stop along the way. Keep a journal (writing and art) including drawings or photos.
- Natural Crafts
- Cooking – Make delicious, healthy meals and snacks with the help of your children. Cook using a campfire, bake without the oven, and try new ingredients including fruits and vegetables from other countries. Your child will use math skills for measuring, learn to do things in order and learn about nutrition.
- Reading Challenge – Many schools provide a summer book list
- Outdoor Play – Children learn from playing outdoors, whether alone, with siblings or with friends. You’ll find them making up their own games, problem solving, learning about nature, and cooperating with others. Provide old spoons, pails, cardboard boxes, scarves, adult supervision and sunscreen and let them play.
What do you do to help your child beat the summer slump? Do you prepare in advance?
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About 
Twitter: onescrappyblog
says:
We love summer crafts, cooking, reading and outdoor fun (water balloons and sidewalk chalk!). I love to keep the kids brains stimulated during the summer months and that way it’s not SO hard when school starts up again!
Bobbie recently posted..Post: Happy Father’s Day!
Twitter: SavvyMomNYC
says:
Great ideas to keep reading and learning fun throughout the summer!
Kerri recently posted..Baby Savvy Can Hula Hoop #WordlessWednesday
Twitter: aawhitehead
says:
Thanks for the summer slump tips.
amber recently posted..Learn Through Play Linky Party & News
Twitter: CrazyCoolCrafty
says:
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: blm03
says:
My daughter was actually given homework for the summer, so we definitely won’t be hitting a slump!
Lisa recently posted..Gaming For Charity
Twitter: 89linz
says:
Yay! I love this article. As a new teacher hopeful, I would love it if all parents helped their children beat the summer slump by doing these things. Reading is fabulous. I used to participate in a summer reading program at the local library when I was a kid and I loved it. There’s also summer enrichment programs here run by the community college which I also loved. Great ideas!
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Twitter: MomMaven
says:
Lots of great ideas Connie!
Cindy recently posted..Radio Rebel on DVD June 19
Twitter: momof3boys3702
says:
LOVE love love all your tips!
Kelli recently posted..GIVEAWAY: Spot It, Eco-Friendly Board Games
Twitter: kailani
says:
Great tips! After about the 3rd week I usually start to run out of ideas of how to keep the kids busy!
kailani recently posted..Brave 3D Preview
Twitter: ebmommy
says:
These are fantastic tips Connie esp reading.I saw how that pushed my daughter on top of her class in Kinder and this year she is back at it. Love it!
I always send home a little packet of goodies and suggestions to keep the kids going over summer!
Twitter: mommysfreetime
says:
Loving those tips! My kids are only in preschool but I still think it’s important to have some type of summer enrichment for them too!
Twitter: Pamlovesbooks
says:
i love summer challenges. with this heat wave, staying in the library is a smart idea!
pammypam recently posted..Excuse Me My Brains Have Stepped Out by Pandora Poikilos
Thanks for sharing these summer slump tips. I learned a lot on your tips.
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