by Gina Lawton

Created on: June 06, 2009   Last Updated: July 20, 2009

Your child's education never takes a break! Keep your kids learning throughout the summer months with a little time, determination, and re-thinking your definition of "education."

Few children want to pour over summer workbooks regardless of their bright-colored pages. Instead, move the classroom out-of-doors. Family vacations can double as learning opportunities for your kids. Visiting new attractions, states, or countries? The weeks before you go, read books with your kids about it. Then, make your visit a "scavenger hunt." As you see familiar things, ask your child, "Remember this?" Chances are they will be anxious to tell you more.

Museums offer obvious learning opportunities. While you're there, pick up some material (either free or from their gift shop), and explore the exhibits enthusiastically with your child. Take pictures, and when you return home, reinforce the things you learned as you and your child put together a summer scrapbook. No museums in your area? Many local businesses offer free or low-cost "tour" opportunities. These give kids a chance to "catch" a lot of information, without the pressure of studying.

A day at the pool can supplement your child's education. Affordable classes in CPR and First Aid are offered by the YMCA and American Red Cross. Summer's a great time for art or cooking classes. Check your local adult education organization, and consider taking a class with your teenager.

Remember your local library during the summer. They offer no and low-cost learning opportunities for all ages. Most have summer reading programs where kids earn free gifts and prizes. Challenge your child and tell them you'll read alongside them. If they're older, read the same book and do a "mini-book club," complete with meeting at your local coffee shop weekly to discuss what you've read.

Don't forget summer camp. Camp develops relationship skills that will help a child throughout life - not just "in school." Often, the learning component is built right in. But if it's not, you can help your child hone skills like writing and reading (letters to and from camp), picture taking skills (again, surprise them when they come home with an inexpensive scrap booking kit), and organizational skills (keeping track of their own things so far from home).

Check with your local Parks and Recreation department for "day" camp opportunities. If camping fees are out of your financial reach, explore "home" camp. Each week, choose a skill to teach your child (setting up a tent? Building a fire? Edible plants? Packing a nutritious lunch?). Before the end of the summer, "camp out," in your backyard. Have your child plan the menu, set up the tent, and use the skills they've learned throughout the summer to be the "adventure guide."

If you look at your child's education as a life-long process, it's crucial that you help them understand learning is a constant, on-going thing. Education is so much more than achieving certain test scores or memorizing facts. Summer gives you, the parent, an excellent opportunity to instill and nurture this love of learning in your child.

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