Tips for Keeping Kids Learning Over the Summer

For your kids, summer is synonymous with sunshine and freedom. And in these final weeks of school, they're probably already dreaming about swimming pools, baseball tournaments, theme parks, lazy days with friends, and even lazier days sleeping in.

One thing that's probably not on their summer itinerary: regular learning.

And that can create a challenge for parents. On the one hand, kids should be free to be kids. On the other, kids who close their books in May and don't open them again until September could suffer a "summer slide" and regress from all the progress they've made during the previous school year.

Here are three ways that parents can keep their kids' gears turning, their bodies moving, and their understanding of the world growing all summer long.

1. R & (W)R

At school, your children are told what to read and when to read it. That's why many kids only associate reading with homework, which, in turn, is why many kids don't read for fun.

Help your children break out of this "homework" mentality by encouraging them to read anything that appeals to them. Graphic novels, magazines, biographies of their favorite celebrities, or books that were adapted into movies and TV shows might be a good way to get a reluctant reader over the hump. And if your child really won't crack open a book, research has found that audiobooks provide the same educational benefits.

You can also turn reading into a social activity. Start a family book club or encourage your child to start one with their friends. Local libraries and bookstores often create summer reading challenges with goals, competition, and rewards.

Writing often gets lumped in with reading as “homework” as well. A summer notebook might inspire your child to put pen to paper on their own time. Many dedicated journals include writing prompts that help young writers express their thoughts and feelings or find a creative spark.

2. Field Trips

Kids love field trips because they get to leave the classroom. Taking a few family "field trips" to museums, zoos, aquariums, theaters, botanical gardens, and parks can get everyone out of their at-home routines and expose kids to a wider world of art and natural wonder.

Before you head out, pull up the location's website or buy a tour guide and let your kid set the itinerary. Have them choose "where we're going first" and have them read informative displays you pass along the way.

You can also combine field trips with other family activities. Go camping and learn how to pitch a tent. Take a hike and see how many different birds and plants you can all identify.

Field Trips can also be a great way for your whole family to learn more about where you live. The U.S. National Parks system includes "433 individual units." There's probably one within driving distance that will make for a memorable – and affordable – day trip.

3. Getting Messy

Let kids do what they do best: make a mess.

Gather up all the arts and crafts material in the house and see what your kids come up with.

You'll find thousands of activities on YouTube that can turn your kitchen into a laboratory.

Online cooking tutorials or grandma's recipe box can teach your kids how to prepare food for themselves or the whole family.

Dig up a patch of dirt in the backyard and start a garden to teach your kids some basic biology and environmental stewardship.

Classic board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, backgammon, and chess teach spelling, math, probability, and problem solving.

And when the day's activity is done, cleaning up will teach your kids a little personal responsibility.

Before your kids are out of school, stop by our offices and let’s review how your Life-Centered Financial Plan is set up to support your family’s best summer yet.

At LI Wealth Management, we look at the crucial intersection of wealth and genuine well-being. Whether it’s planning enriching summer activities, supporting your child’s education, or creating meaningful family experiences, we’re here to help you make the most of every season. Visit our website or book a free session today.