Summer learning doesn’t have to involve textbooks. In fact, it is well documented that experiential learning helps move concepts from the abstract to the concrete, making summer the perfect time for learning opportunities to abound. “Summer is the perfect time to help children make connections between what they have learned in the classroom and real-world examples” says Susan Cornish, owner at College Nannies and Tutors of Powell, OH
Trip to the park? Bring a field guide, and have fun identifying different types of trees and birds. Bring a journal to record your findings. Trip to the beach? Talk about how waves are formed. Build a sand castle, complete with a moat creating an imaginary world that can come alive. Rainy day? Visit local museums and take advantage of the hands-on exhibits geared towards school age children.
These examples illustrate the point that summer learning does not have to involve a lesson plan. It does involve planning, however; the good news is that there are a multitude of educational websites designed to give you ideas, activities, and information. Google “summer activities for kids” and a plethora of ideas will be at your fingertips; add your local city for more targeted fun. Parents and caregivers can spend 30 minutes at the beginning of each week researching something fun and unique for the week ahead. For additional learning, get the kids involved in the planning process!
At College Nannies and Tutors, learning comes alive in the summer when College Nannies and Mannies are equipped with easy-to-carry messenger bags chock-full of activities selected to engage the children they are charged with caring for. “I love bringing new activities for the children,” says Amanda, who has been a College Nanny for three years. “It gives us something to look forward to and the kids are always excited to learn what I have planned for them when I walk in the door!”
Here are a few of College Nannies and Tutors’ favorite summer learning practices:
1. Read 20 minutes per day. Read for fun! Help your child select reading materials that align with their interests. If they don’t like books, try interest-specific magazines.
2. Get outside and explore. Air, water, grass, birds and trees; teach children to ask questions about their environment and seek answers.
3. Learn by doing. Baking, gardening, crafts and constructing; children are wired for hands-on learning.
4. Teach by example. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Engage in the planned activities, express your interest and lead in the exploration.
5. Make connections to the classroom. Visit local historical sites to help your child visualize history lesson. Ask your children for their math expertise: counting change or estimating how much time a car trip will take are fun ways to incorporate math skills into everyday life.
About College Nannies and Tutors
College Nannies and Tutors is the nation’s most complete resource for customized nanny and tutoring services. With strong and dedicated local ownership, College Nannies and Tutors franchises have been Building Stronger Families® nationwide since 2001 and in Powell, OH since 2010 by providing role models from cradle to college. For more information on our full-service childcare solutions or customized tutoring for college bound students, call College Nannies and Tutors, 614-761-3060 or visit www.collegenannies.com or www.collegetutors.com.
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