Getting a chance to recharge from regular routines each summer is good for the whole family. However, it’s too easy to allow our minds to become puddles (believe me, I’ve been there)! That’s not good for us, and it’s especially not good for our kiddos. You know what, though? You can keep brains active and engaged while keeping all the summer fun!
Here are 7 of my favorite ways to encourage fun and learning over the summer months:
Attend a book festival in your area
Search local Facebook events, activity blogs, local book store pages, etc. for what’s going on in your area! If you’re in Roanoke, check out the “Reading is Fun” Book Festival on June 8th.
Schedule a weekly library day with friends
Libraries have SO MUCH going on each week. Block parties, petting zoos, dance lessons, play areas, story times, book clubs…the list goes on. Dropping in each week gives you some structure, helps you beat the heat, gives the kids something to look forward to and gives ample opportunity for kids to explore the shelves and bring home books they are excited to read!
Book covers facing out on shelves
This isn’t a new idea, but it really works! Rotate books every couple of weeks (those weekly library visits will easily help you do this). Then, arrange the book covers so they face out. That way, whenever your child visits the room, they are more likely to notice and pick up the book to find out what’s inside.
Enjoy themed activities alongside the books you read
Now, don’t let this scare you! Keep it simple. Grab a free coloring sheet online, cook a meal together, make a craft (hello, Pinterest!), cuddle up together and watch fireflies and stars. Be open! Pick one thing that stands out (a character, an action, a food, etc.) from the story and do an activity together that goes along with it. I have LOTS of freebies and ideas if you get stuck on this one. Just send me a message!
Keep a book basket in the car
Grab a small bag or basket and keep a book or two, activity cards, stickers, puzzle books or a travel game like these and some fun pens inside! As you travel to and from summer activities, kids can enjoy these in the car wherever you go! You can even start a family story time by having whoever is in the front passenger seat read aloud!
Play games together
Board games, card games, geo caching, book bingo, scavenger hunts…these activities keep the mind sharp, flex those reading/spelling/math skills and create bonding time and togetherness.
Join a reading club
Whether it’s finding a book/reading buddy, signing up for your library’s summer reading challenge, OR joining Laurel’s Bookshelf’s very first reading club on FB, reading with friends is always more fun, right? Yes! Reading together is fun! Also, working towards a goal is a great way to keep them motivated.
