Did you know that over the summer, a large percentage of kids forget things they learned during the school year? Which, I guess makes sense, if you think about it. If you aren’t practicing something, you tend to get rusty at it.
Well my son is starting middle school in the fall and my daughter will be in 3rd grade. I don’t want them sliding backwards so I have spent quite a bit of time putting together a summer school program for them. They won’t be spending their whole summer working on schoolwork, but I think 30 minutes to 1 hour a day is not a big deal at all.
Both kids will have weekly spelling words. I think so many kids, nowadays, depend so much on spell check or auto-correct that they don’t know how to properly spell. I want my kids to be able to spell. Just as important as spelling, they will both be working on math. For Bella, she will be working on her math facts (adding, subtracting and multiplication). Zachary will be given various math sheets and he will be working on SHOWING HIS WORK! In elementary school they are able to get away with doing the math in their head and while Zachary is great at math, he needs to get better at showing his work. They won’t put up with him not showing his work there.
Find great worksheets by visiting this site!
Reading and writing are the last two things the kids will be working on this summer. I put together a summer reading list for each kid with book ideas. Each kid will have a summer reading journal where they will write a one paragraph summary on what they read that day. For the writing, I am going to let them guide that portion of it. They like to go to the library so I was thinking they could pick a topic, research it and write about it. Bella really needs to continue working on writing a paragraph and Zachary will be introduced to the 5 paragraph essay. Something he is expected to know going into middle school.
As I was scrolling through Facebook, I came across a genius idea from YourModernFamily.com…a No Screen-Time Until printable. I thought this would make a great checklist for the kids this summer to keep them accountable for the things they are responsible for, while not having me on their back the whole time.
This summer will be FILLED with outside fun, running around at the park and on the trails, going to the movies and the zoo, but the kids will also continue to practice those skills that they need to succeed later in life.
I have always had my kids do workbooks over the summer. This year I want to be a little more hands on with their summer learning.
It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job of ensuring summer learning is fun for your kids and I love the idea of a checklist! I can’t wait to check it out myself.
I’ve been thinking the same thing – how am I going to keep my son learning throughout the summer? I will have to check out the website because I think that printing worksheets is really the best option during the time off from school?
We visit museums, explore outside, go on fun trips and just have fun! Love summertime!
Keeping up the learning during the summer is a great idea! Makes it easier for them to transition back to school in the fall!
Fabulous idea! Mine aren’t little anymore but I can tell ya it worked with TV, game consoles and more back when, I know it’ll work now!
I’m installing this with my kids more and more with each passing day. My oldest is having a hard time ensuring he gets everything done, but it’s slowly getting better with it. This is a life changing experience for all involved.
Keeping them curious and having books and other learning materials available was important to me. I think some “no-screen time” could help a lot!
I really appreciated going on adventures with my parents when I was a kid. We always took road trips & stopped at museums. I think keeping learning interesting throughout the summer helps keeps kids engaged.
Printables are a huge help! We also spend a lot of time at museums and educational attractions in the area and while on vacation.
That sounds like a fantastic summer program! I agree that kids need to stay focused on learning throughout summer. After all learning never stops. It’s something we work on for the rest of our lives! I love the journaling idea and will implement that with my little one who will also be entering the 3rd grade in the fall. 🙂