Keep Learning with Summer Fun!

GET OUTSIDE . . . . .

TAKE A HIKE

Get outside and move! (Always wear your sunscreen!) Many towns and cities have parks. Borrow a bird-identifying book from the library and identify birds. Borrow a book about rocks form the library and identify the different kinds of rocks. Borrow a book from the library about foliage and identify the different kinds of plants and trees. While on your hike, you will discover many other neat living things; make sure you bring a camera.

While hiking stop and be silent. Have your child listen. What do they hear? Is the sound coming from the tree above? The ground? Or a puddle? While walking, stop and look under some leaves – oh, the great things you will probably find. If you come across a little creature it is a good time to teach your children to look at it and not touch it, as the woods are their home. (Take a picture of whatever you see and when you get home draw it!) You can also look up and learn more about the creatures, leaves, trees, plants, and sounds you heard when your children get home.

Not sure where to find a neat place to hike around you? Check out www.alltrails.com. There will be a place for you to enter what city/town state you are looking to hike in. www.yelp.com also can direct you to places to hike. Under the find type in ‘HIKING TRAILS’ and next to it type in your location. You can also check out your counties website. County websites tell you about all the fascinating and fun things you can do in your country.

GO DIG IN THE DIRT

Get dirty! Look under leaves, turn over rocks and discover what lives beneath the decaying leaves and dirt. Take pictures, draw pictures, make a map of where you are and how to get home.

Take a Ride!

Take a train ride to the city. Take a bus ride. Go on a bike ride. Build on your child’s understanding of transportation by having them use another mode of transportation. Talk about how the different forms of transportation are the same and how they are different.

CREATE

Paint using different mediums. Instead of your child using markers or crayons, use paint. Instead of using paint brushes, use q-tips, little sticks from outside, pieces of sponge.

Create a picture, a portrait or scene with paper and glue – no scissors! Use newspaper, scrap paper, junk mail that arrives in your mailbox.

 Using materials around the house and yard, have your child build something.

Let’s Eat . . . . .

LET YOUR CHILD MAKE DINNER

Let your child plan a meal! Have them plan a balanced meal, find recipes, go shopping, and cook dinner! (Adult supervision will be required.)

CHECK OUT FREE EVENTS

There are so many cool things to do and see! If you aren’t sure where that is Google:

‘where to find free events in ________’ and type in the town/city you are in or near. Try something or go see something you don’t usually experience with your child. There is chance you may not enjoy it but you certainly will learn something!

Go to the websites of museums and other public attractions. There are usually days when entry fees are discounted for students.

OTHER IDEAS

• Check out a flea market
• Learn how to make a bat house
• Learn how to make a bird house
• Design and make jewelry
• Find free music open to the public and go enjoy!
• Walk around a farmers market and look at the fresh food and beautiful colors
• Take a walk on a beach
• Check historical sights
• Find agricultural locations and visit it
• Go to a petting farm or zoo

How is all this Fun Learning?

Every time you and your child experience something new they learn. Every time they discover something more, your child learns. Everything your child learns gets stored in their brain. When they are back in school and are working on a unit in science, math, or ELA class, the experiences you have exposed them to will allow your child to make a connection and understand the classroom material more so.

Not all knowledge comes from a textbook and nor should it. The more experiences you can provide your child, the better they will do in school, and the more they will understand life.

In the words of the wonderful Miss Frizzle, “Take chance, make mistakes, get dirty!”

Have a safe, wonderful, FUN summer!! Make learning fun for you and your child!

Peace & Love, (and wear your sun screen!)

Anne C.