Summer Learning Tips

As the old saying goes, use it or lose it! Education works the same way, so learning during summer vacation is an important activity for kids. Here are some of our favorite tips for summer learning:

1. See a play. Summertime is host to a wide range of theatre productions. Before the play, read a synopsis of the plot together and talk about what will happen in the play. After the production, take some time to answer questions and talk about the performance.

2. Read fun books. Summer is the time to read those books your child loves but doesn’t read in school! A Harvard study* shows that reading four or more books over summer vacation has a significant impact when kids go back to school in the fall, no matter the subject or style of the books. As long as the books are on your child’s reading level, reading books improves reading fluency.

For fun book ideas, check out our free Summer Reading Club. You’ll get a Reading List with some of our favorite books and cool rewards throughout the summer for reading progress.

3.Go to a museum. Museums have all sorts of activities that make learning fun for kids. Whether your child is learning about dinosaurs or building a bridge out of popsicle sticks, he’ll be having fun learning.

4. Going somewhere? Travel is a great way to teach your child about history, language, art and culture through museums, galleries, parks and even restaurants (yum!). Discuss what’s interesting about your destinations and ask what questions your child has about your explorations!

5. Can’t get away? Some websites offer online tours or introductory videos about exciting travel destinations, which means you and your child can learn more about our world right from your living room! Take a look at this tour of Yellowstone National Park or these brief video clips about international travel destinations like France and China from travelonline.com.

6. Get your hands dirty. Sunny days are the best for trips to parks, botanical gardens and hikes to learn more about science and nature. Check out local parks and other outdoor activities in your area.

Let us know about your favorite summer learning experiences and plans here and on Twitter. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

*Based on a study by J.S. Kim in 2004.