Summer Vacation

Now that most of the country is out for summer vacation parents across the nation are wondering what to do with their children.  Many of you probably have vacations planned but I doubt they will take all summer long.  As a teacher I can tell you that it will help your child if he or she does something educational over the summer and to that end I thought I’d give you a list of suggestions to help you (and more importantly your child) pass the summer.

Educational Activities for Summer Vacation

• Take your child to a museum
• Have your child write a report on what he or she saw and did at the museum.  Most museums have free pamphlets that can be used for additional information.
• Have your child make a poster about the most interesting exhibit.
• Take your child to a national park.
• Have your child write a report about why that park was created, again there are usually free pamphlets.
• Have your child take pictures of landmarks and signs that describe areas in the park.  They can then turn this into a power point presentation or a poster.
• Have your child investigate the wildlife and plants around your home or local park.
• Let them document what they find with a camera or video and then research the different animals and plants they find.  With the pictures and videos they can make a documentary or a magazine.
• Go to the library
• Let your child pick out a book for each week or month (depending on the length of the book and age of the child).  Have him or her read the book and write a report on it.  Make sure they include the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the book.
• Create an art class
• When you go grocery shopping ask for the brown paper bags.  These are great for art projects.  Most bags have at least one side with no markings.  Let your little artist explore their creative side and learn about recycling all at once.
• After your vacation have your child create a travel brochure.
• They can take pictures and journal each night of the vacation.  Then take that information and pick the most interesting aspects to include in their brochure.

Do you have any other ideas on how to keep your child engaged in learning over summer vacation?  What are your plans for summer vacation?