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The National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) and Child Care Aware do not endorse nor are we responsible for the information or materials posted on any of the resource’s websites.Summer Learning
July 10, 2007
Summer is here and your child can hardly wait for all of the fun that goes with it. You want him to have plenty of learning opportunities, as well enjoy what summer has to offer. Learning may seem to be the furthest thing from his mind at this time. If only there was a way for you both to get your way. Learning while enjoying all of summer’s fun activities?
There is a way! Children love to learn new things, especially when the activities are fun and they don’t know that they’re learning. Parents can take time to do a few of these activities with their children and summer learning will be under way! As with any activity you do with your child, make sure to adjust for age appropriateness.
These summer learning ideas for young children have been adapted from the National Education Association and the US Department of Education:
- This and That – if your child likes to help around the house, have him sort the silverware or dishes. He will learn to group items similar to shapes and patterns. You can make a game out of counting all of the forks that are the same, or matching all of the plates with the same pattern.
- Phone A Friend – if your child is old enough, let him find numbers on the phone. Write down numbers of friends or family and help him find them on the phone. He will learn number recognition and the phone numbers of some of his favorite people. Grandmas and grandpas always love a call from the grandkid!
- Deli Delight – maybe your child is bored with the old fashioned picnic lunches. Spice them up by cutting sandwiches and other foods into shapes. You can also try this activity with letters and numbers. Lunch can be educational and fun.
- Closet Capers – while dressing for your day in the summer sun, have your child name the pieces of clothing he sees. As he’s getting dressed, he can tell you what he’s putting on. In addition, teach him names of parts of the body.
- Hide and Seek- while you’re out and about on your summer adventures, have your child locate different letters and numbers that you see. When your child starts writing his numbers and letters, you can practice by keeping track of all of the different items you see. You can also talk about the letters you see and different things that start with that letter.
- Sidewalk Art – sidewalk chalk is always fun. Allow your child to practice his letters, numbers, and shapes in your driveway. Let your child be creative and display his art on your sidewalk. The neighbors may enjoy some bright and sunny art. Another fun activity is painting on the sidewalk with water. Your child can be creative day after day.
- Funny Funnies – to help your child learn sequencing and order, cut up some comics from the paper and help your child put them in order to tell the story taking place in the comic strip. Another fun activity is letting your child tells his own story based on the pictures he’s just put in order.
These are just a few activity ideas you can share with your little one. You will enjoy the time together. He’ll enjoy the fun new games and you’ll appreciate the knowledge and skills he learns from the activities.
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