Even though we’re ushering in the official summer season, it feels like we’re already deep into a prolonged summer break, longer than most of us would’ve preferred. As the term began, who could’ve imagined the length and intensity of this unexpected pause? With the uncertainty of when normalcy will return, many parents are seeking strategies to engage their kids in productive home learning since regular school activities are on hold.
But every situation has its silver linings. While many parents lament the missed opportunities for family vacations and fun, they’re also discovering innovative ways to enrich their children’s education, even beyond the traditional curriculum.
I’m sure many have brainstormed creative solutions to engage children productively. Here are my seven enjoyable approaches to engage your children in learning at home during this extended break:
- Plan a Historical Trip: While we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves thinking the global situation is fully resolved, we can anticipate brighter days. Encourage your children to research and plan a future trip to a historical site. They can gather information online, read books, watch YouTube videos, or delve into documentaries. This planning process will immerse them in history, geography, and even aspects of travel logistics.
- Practical Math: This break offers a prime opportunity to impart practical math skills. Use your monthly household expenses as teaching tools. Task your child with creating a monthly grocery budget, teaching them about pricing, brands, and quantity estimation. In doing this, they’ll grasp mathematical concepts and the importance of budgeting.
- Become Fitness Trainers: Modern life, with its stresses, affects our kids too. Use this time to prioritize physical health. Find online fitness programs and embark on a fitness journey together, teaching your child the nuances of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Cultivate Reading Habits: The importance of reading cannot be overstated. Encourage reading by setting an example. This summer, guide their reading choices based on their interests, whether it’s science, literature, or DIY projects.
- Gardening 101: Introduce your children to gardening. Show them the ropes, and they’ll likely follow. As they immerse in gardening, they’ll gain insights into nature, soil, and biology.
- Nurture Writing Skills: Two ideas here – initiate a logbook writing competition in the household with minimal rules, focusing purely on expression. Alternatively, motivate them to create a family recipe book, combining culinary traditions with storytelling.
- Kickstart a Personal Project: Prompt your children to embark on a unique project. The possibilities are endless – from learning origami to crafting. The internet is a treasure trove of ideas suitable for this home-bound summer.
These are my seven strategies for productive home learning this summer. I hope you find them both enjoyable and educational for your children.