Are you counting the days until summer begins? For some of us the vision is of care free months idling away hours of fun. For others the picture is one of youngsters torming through the house, complaining of boredom, and making an indepth study of the latest in bang 'em over the head cartoons. Little wonder that September finds students ill prepared to return to academics, with only fleeting memory of the reading and math skills so valiently achieved only three months before
Let's make summer a productive time for our children. Here are some hints to organize your child's day into a learning experience.
Get Organized
Everyone needs structure. Organize your child's time into a regular routine of varied productive activities. A day might begin with a series of clean-up chores, allowed by a book time, a half hour spent sharing picture books. Perhaps outdoor play or a visit from a friend could be Monday's activity and a trip to the local swimming pool the Tuesday and Thursday plan. Wednesday might be library day. Visit your local branch and choose some special readings to enjoy with your child. Friday could be a special trip day, the time ou choose to take your youngster to a museum, a each or on a hike.
Whatever you choose, children are more cooperative and happier when involved. regular planned of activities.
Learning begins at home!
Reading and mathematics learning do not end as the school door closes. Reading is everywhere, from the street and shop signs to cereal boxes.
 |
Math may begin with counting plates for the breakfast table and extend to counting change in the supermarket. Summer is the time to teach your child at home. And don't be afraid to devote part of each day to reviewing reading vocabulary and calculation skills. |
|
Special Activities
- Show your youngster how to make cookies and lemonade.
- Make a picture book of each day's events and have write a sentence for your child to read. |
 |
- A day in a box. Find a shoe box and fill it with all the supplies needed for creative crafts: crayons, pencils, a sharpener, erasers, paste, tape, scissors, a ruler and scraps. Tuck in a small notebook. For today help your child begin designing his special something. For tomorrow, add pipe cleaners, styrofoam cups or packing materials.
- Is TV the sponge that absorbs their time? Why not use it productively? Have Johnny or Jane keep a journal describing each program viewed. Share the summaries and ask questions. Encourage youngsters to then and reflect about their work.
Around the Block
- Parks offer many free and low cost programs. Some have day camps. Many provide classes in arts and crafts, gymnastics and sports, puppetry, and making rockets.
- Public libraries offer storytimies for young children and encourage visits. Help your child rediscover books.
- Older children may be able to volunteer their services to preschools, programs for the handicapped and senior citizens groups.
- Many local institutions provide special summer enrichment programs. The Museum of Science and Industry offer programs in a science. The LA County Museum ot Art offers summer workshops in making jewelry, designing and learning about artists. Some local universities and colleges offer classes for young children and adolescents, for example, California State University at Northridge (CSUN) and University Elementary School at UCLA.
Need a day off? Organize a play group. Or find teenager to be your child's special friend, someone to take him to the pool or park. |
