6 simple ways to make summer learning fun

I’m a big fan of books and reading and raising smart kids, so it’s no surprise that I love summer reading programs and advice for keeping kids thinking and learning even if school isn’t in session. The summer slide, or brain drain, or what ever fun alliterative or rhyming term you prefer, is real. The research all boils down to the phrase “use it or lose it” when it comes to literacy skills your kids have worked so hard to acquire up to now.

I also know that no one wants to be the nagging parent who takes all the fun out of reading. There are ways make summer learning fun, and I had a great time talking with some experts to get their tips on the topic for the article “Expert Tips to Make Your Child a Better Reader” that appeared in Make It Better.

Keep a Journal

You hear a lot about reading over the summer, but don’t forget about writing, which can reinforce important literacy skills as well. Have your kids keep a journal. It can be about anything, be it their thoughts about the books they read this summer, reviews of movies they see, chronicles of family trips, stories about friends made at camp, anything. Encourage kids to use some new vocabulary words they’ve learned in their reading. As an added bonus, it will make a great keepsake commemorating the fun summer.

Take Full Advantage of the Local Library, Including the Adult Programs

Summer reading programs are awesome for kids and the experts with whom I spoke all favored participating in a summer reading program at the local library. Chances are that your library also has a summer reading program for adults. If you want to set a great example, tell your kids that you are stopping at the library for you to check in and report your progress. They will do as you do.

Doing reading activities as a family is about “building a habit with your kids. It’s just like rooting for a sports team or going to the theater. It influences them,” says Maggie McGuire, parenting expert and Vice President at Scholastic, which is hosting its ninth annual Summer Reading Challenge.

Help Your Kids Pick Great Books

The library is an amazing place, but navigating it and its thousands upon thousands of options can be hard when you’re little (and even when you’re big). Telling children to pick just one book can be a daunting task for them. Judge Cheatham of Reading is Fundamental suggests that parents of younger kids pick four or five books that would be good and let their kids pick from that selection. That gives them power of choice but does not overwhelm them.

Pick a Series or Author

Speaking of picking books, it’s okay to find something that works with your family and stick with it. Maybe you want to really dive into a favorite author, be it Sandra Boynton or Kate Di Camillo. Or maybe you want to pick a series, maybe a classic like Little House on the Prairie or Harry Potter. The experts liked the idea of series as a way to keep kids engaged for a good chunk of the summer, when enjoyment is paramount.

Screen Time is Okay

Reading a book that connects with a game or television show can positively reinforce literacy lessons, and be a chance to practice technology/computer skills that they’ll use when learning during the school year.

Katie Wilse of the National Summer Learning Foundation suggests the PBS Kids site. Also check out Disney Imagicademy. You can learn more about the educational opportunities in the Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe app here, and about the Frozen: Early Science app here.

Head to the Farmer’s Market

I love the Farmer’s Market both for the food and the educational opportunities. I appeared on NCTV to talk about that and share a few other favorite tips on keeping kids learning over the summer.