by Marilisa Sachteleben

Created on: June 05, 2009   Last Updated: August 28, 2009

School is out and while students are rejoicing, parents are often concerned. A long summer with no study, school or homework, ...this may not bode well. The problem is compounded for children who are lagging academically. Summer school is an option, but most children balk about school work in the summer. Tutoring centers are costly. Tutoring at home is time-consuming and often daunting. How, you wonder, can I ensure that my child's academic progress is not thwarted by three months away from school? Don't despair; here are 26 summer educational enrichment tips from A-Z.

A= Ask for help. Do you have a friend or relative willing to spend half an hour every few days helping your child with school work? Senior citizens are especially good at helping children with those pesky times tables,encouraging the reluctant reader or explaining difficult science concepts.

B=Borrow. Schools and libraries lend textbooks, workbooks, games and teaching supplies.

C=Create. Sing. Draw. Paint. Build. Dance. Sew. Cook. These tasks are the 'to-do' list for genuine educational development.

D=Discipline. Maintain a summer routine. Schedules help children organize, prioritize and experience success.

E=Exercise. The brain functions best when the body is active.

F=Fix. Give your child several household items that need to be repaired. What better way to discover how things work than to take them apart and put them back together? Be sure to discuss any safety issues with your child.

G=Garden. Tending plants is an educational curriculum in itself. Gardening is healthy, therapeutic, relaxing and interactive.

H=Hire an older child. Contract that child to assist with reading, writing and math practice.

I=Investigate. Examine. There's a world of information in every flower and butterfly wing. Take a look.

J=Join a group. Local communities offer hundreds of activities for children. Summer reading programs, museum activities, nature hikes, tours, sports clinics, day camps, art venues and more.

K=Keep a journal. Daily journaling develops writing and critical thinking skills. Illustrate, too. Drawing encourages and inspires the reluctant writer.

L=Listen. Parents habitually talk to children more than they listen. If you are an active listener, your child learns to be a good listener as well.

M=Make new friends. The new kid on the block, the lonely old lady next door, even a little brother. The lessons learned in making and keeping friends are invaluable.

O=Organize. Success in school requires organizaton

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