We all know far too well how this year looks drastically different than normal school years. The grades were frozen in time as of mid-March, and depending on our school districts, some or no new material was covered after that time. So where does that leave us? It is hard to know exactly where they are, what they need to be successful next year, or what to do. Many of us are just trying to figure out what to do this summer without the regular camps, sports, and activities.
All is not lost. Learning opportunities are everywhere. Here are four activities that are great for kids of all ages:
1. Encourage your child to read every day.
Read with your child if they aren’t yet ready to tackle books on their own. Make this part of your daily family routine. Select a time each day for everyone in the house to pick up a good book!
2. Work on math every single day.
Math doesn’t have to be workbooks and online tutorials. Math is everywhere. Have your child help with household projects. Have a room you are moving furniture around? Have your child measure out the wall space and help determine a plan where everything fits. Have them add up the cost of each ingredient in tonight’s dinner. Want to build a small bookshelf? Have them help you determine the amount of wood to buy and help measure the pieces.
3. Play games. Lots of games!
Card games and board games are great ways to engage kids’ math skills, but also in strategy and big picture thinking. Give them opportunities to build a strategy and talk about the moves they make. Games don’t have to take hours — many can be played in just a few minutes, but offer great learning opportunities.
4. Take the learning outside.
Need to plant some new perennials or annuals in the backyard? Talk about the difference, and let them help pick where the plans would be the most successful. Do you plant that beautiful hydrangea in an area that gets full afternoon sun? What is the best time of day to water plants?
What if family reading time, projects and games aren’t enough?
But games and household chores only get us so far. If your child was struggling before the pandemic shutdown, you can expect that struggle to be multiplied come fall. The traditional “summer slide” where kids lose some learning is now three months longer, and educational experts everywhere are sounding the alarm.
There is simply no better time to get your child help. We do not rely on lengthy assessments or testing to get your child started on tutoring — we have found these methods to be counterproductive and time consuming. Instead, we work closely with you to determine your child’s needs and make a plan for success. Contact us, and let’s get started on helping your child find success.