Cheap Summer Learning

I’ve had several people ask what exactly I do with my girls to help encourage summer learning. While I’m fortunate in that I have many resources from my teaching days along with resources from my job, there are many easy (and cheap) ways to encourage learning at home while helping ward off summer slide. Try a few of the below to keep the brain sharp!

Puzzles are a terrific way to help kids work on problem solving skills along with spatial awareness. Chances are you have a puzzle or two lying around the house. Dust it off and encourage your kids to persevere until it is complete.

Play dough, wiki stix and other art supplies help encourage creativity. Even my 10-year-old can spend HOURS with either play dough or wiki stix. For added learning, ask your child to create a scene from a book they are reading or characters from a story. TIP: My mom gave me a wonderful recipe for play dough that we love to make (and the girls love to come up with different colors using food coloring). Here’s the recipe:

Mix together 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tbsp alum and 3 tbsp cooking oil. To that add 2 cups boiling water and ½ cup salt. Stir with wood spoon until cool enough to knead with hands. Store in an airtight container.

Keep a journal that your child writes in every day. Set up a specific time to journal. It can be as simple as making a list of what was done during the day. Writing every day will help with penmanship, spelling and sentence structure.

Cook or bake with your kids, or, if they are old enough, give them a simple recipe to prepare on their own (but make sure you are close by to answer any questions or help with any minor kitchen emergencies). This is a great way to help practice measuring and following directions.

And, of course, read, read, read! Head to your library and check out lots of books. Look online for creative ways for kids to report on the book.