Many parents are looking for ways to teach their children during the summer whether because they want to continue what they were doing in school, or they want to teach their children even before they begin the school journey. The great thing about summer is that learning is all around us. You don’t need to spend money on a lot of books. I am going to give you some ideas for activities and recommend a few websites.
Start a garden.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or have sprawling acreage, you can still grow things. If you don’t have any outside space start a container garden. Buy some containers and make sure they have drainage. Also, buy some potting soil and either seeds or plants. Use this link for a garden planner and activity guide at abcteach.com https://www.abcteach.com/resource/project-gardening-journal-project-planner/
This is also a great activity guide, but I think you must subscribe to abcteach (well worth it.)
https://www.abcteach.com/resource/project-gardening-journal-plot-the-garden/
Learn about how plants grow with this link. https://www.abcteach.com/resource/interactive-flipchart-reading-comprehension-with-audio-the-anatomy-of-plants-upper-elem/
Here is a link from Pinterest about how to have a container garden. https://www.littleyellowwheelbarrow.com/container-vegetable-gardening/
If you have room outside for a bigger garden, plant a variety of plants and vegetables and teach your child how to grow and care for them and observe what they do. I am fascinated by what happens in the garden and most of it will happen without any effort. Last year, I had a tiny bed of strawberries that sent out tendrils for new plants, and this year those plants that were entirely free for me are my biggest producers. Talk to your child about what happens with plants and let them ask questions. How do plants like cucumbers know to grab onto something to grow higher and produce more, how did those strawberry plants reproduce?
Another activity to do is with hydrangeas. Their color will change depending on the acidity of the soil. You can influence the acidity with baking soda. Here is a link from Pinterest that talks about it. http://www.beangrowing.com/baking-soda-to-grow-hydrangeas/
You can also use the garden to talk about nutrition and how producing your own food can save money. If you have a more extensive garden you can talk about sharing food with the community.
Coloring
Simple coloring is a great way to teach children colors and it is a stress reliever too. Many local papers have a kid's section with coloring pages. You can also find lots of free coloring pages at www.abcteach.com.
Trips to local gardens or zoos
This September, we were in the Luxemburg Gardens in Paris when a school was having a scavenger hunt. Many spots have scavenger hunts already prepared. What a fun way to learn!
Museums
Expose students to art and history by going to local museums. Most have children’s activities.
Cooking
Cook with your child as you show them how to measure and prepare great food.
Journaling/letter writing
Senior centers and the military are great places to have children write letters. They will connect with interesting people while lifting someone’s spirit.
Have children record what they do during the summer in a journal.
Go to the library.
Teach children to love books early and enjoy helping them discover the world of stories.
These are a few ideas to continue the learning process this summer. Have fun!
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