by Steph Tuma

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: November 12, 2011

Summer vacation means freedom from school for most children. However when parents allow their children this break without meaningful thinking, children end up losing a large majority of the information they've learned over the past school year. An important way to continue your child's education through summer is to make learning disguised as fun.

Balance

There's no reason to have 8 hour school sessions in your house each day. That's one way to make kids hate school. Summer break should be part break. Kids need to have fun. A couple hours a day is more than enough. The next part makes this possible.

Make it fun

There are many creative ways to teach these days. Certain video games allow kids to learn in a fun way. Try Brain Age for Nintendo ds. It's a daily training program that helps work normally inactive parts of the brain by simple exercises such as rapid math problems and reading aloud. Children can track their progress and compare with each other. There are plenty other activities that get the brain working like Where's Waldo or Rubik's cubes. Sure it's not exactly educational, but it does get those brains working. Mix these in and they won't even feel like they're learning.

Workbooks and movies

There are many workbooks available based on grade level or subject matter. Simply purchase one at a local store and set a goal for your child. 1-2 pages a day won't inconvenience them, let it's enough to keep those brains sharp. Documentaries are also another great option. Throw them in with the latest movies your family watches. They will educate your children on various issues in a totally entertaining way.

Read

Probably the most basic advice is let them read. Not only is reading a fun escape from reality, it's also really educational. It improves comprehension skills, vocabulary, and imagination. Let them experiment with different genres. It's a great habit to instill in children that will last them a lifetime. Well read people are able to articulate themselves better as well as write better.

Offer rewards

Give them a day off every once and a while. Take them out for ice cream. Basically show them that summer is fun and they will benefit from their efforts.

Learning doesn't have to be torturous and by teaching kids this, they will be more open to trying new things. Although summer is a time of family fun and relaxation, keeping your children educated and learning year-round will benefit them greatly.

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