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It is summer time! The time that so many kids look forward to. The change of pace and the freedom from school. Oh the joy that comes with summer time for the kiddos! But is the thought of summer leaving you in a panic? You are starting to have nagging thoughts like these. “How will I keep the kids entertained? Will they regress from all the progress they made this year? They are going to be bouncing off the walls!”
Do not worry! There are things that you can do with just a little bit of planning that will ensure you have all these things under control. You can ensure your kids are learning and getting active this summer with these four steps.
Keep It Simple: I have noticed that when I get overly ambitious about the learning activities we will do I often plan big projects that we don’t end up doing. I have realized if I keep things simple I am way more likely to actually stick to the plan and do it. Which means my kiddo actually gets more learning in than not doing a great project I planned, yet we never do. So first of all be realistic and create a simple plan!
Think Of Them: Children all are very different! They like to learn about different things at different stages. This can be based on their personality, things going on around them or what seems completely random. It is however proven in a ton of research kids do better, stay engaged and have a positive experience of learning when they are included in the process. This means think of them as you are planning the activities. What things are they asking a lot of questions about lately? What are they into right now? Maybe even ask them what they want to learn about!
Choose A Book: Kids love books! Often time’s books are a way for kids to be able to relate to something even if they have not experienced it themselves. Somehow it is easy for them to relate to the characters in the book. Get some books where the character is learning something or get a book about sports. Running Is Totally For Me is my children’s book where the main character tries out six different sports with her friends.
Find Some Tools: It’s all about finding some tools to facilitate the learning that can be used in multiple ways and for different kinds of lessons. Don’t get me wrong I like to do some special projects were we may use the item for just one project. But going back to the “keeping it simple” step find something that is multipurpose. For me it has been the Kindergarten Tool Kit. It has flashcards (letters, numbers, shapes, and sight words), a white board and parent guide. We use the different flash cards for all kinds of things! The other things we are using right now are magnetic letters and all different shapes and sizes of balls to help facilitate lots of movement.
Now, lift up your chin momma! You got this! Summer can be just as joyous for you as it the kids. Remember, to get your kiddos learning and active doesn’t have to be a huge task. Keep it simple. Decide what you can do and commit to it. Ask them what they want to learn about. Then, simply find a book or two along with a few tools that can be used for several things. You are on your way to having a summer that is full of learning, movement and fun for the kids AND for you!
Until Next Time- Truly Love,
Cassie
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