Beat the “Summer Slump”

It is July and high summer right now. If you have been on any of the pathways around town, there are fifty shades of green to be seen. We’ve had gorgeous sunshine and a couple of good thunderstorms. It is the time for summer camps and afternoons on the lake and s’mores around the firepit.

As educators, we know that the “summer slump” is real for students. Wherever you are sending your child to school in the fall, it is best if you can keep his mind sharp. Here are some ideas that are fun and easy to implement in your family:

·      Have a game night! Yahtzee and Monopoly are great for math and Scrabble is wonderful for both spelling and vocabulary. You can use a deck of cards to practice math fact fluency.

·      Play in the kitchen. Have children bake treats to practice their fractions and measurements. The best way to do this is to have them make more or less than the recipe allows. Or give your child a budget and have him plan and prepare the meal based on it.

·      The library is your friend. Join the local library’s reading challenges.

·      Write it out. If you are on a vacation, consider keeping a family journal to practice writing where different members record the events of the days. Then you will have a special memento of your trip as well!

·      Take advantage of the outside. Does your child enjoy drawing? Or is she a budding naturalist? Practice nature journaling during your hikes or rides around town. Sketch and research rocks, plants, insects, birds, and mammals that can be seen around Jackson.

·      Become an expert! For older students, challenge them to learn something new by reading, researching online, and then applying their new skill. Encourage them to focus on something that is above and beyond their normal academic range.

From all of us at RadAcad, enjoy your summer!