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Summer Learning: What Parents Can Do

Parents Count

Summer Learning: What Parents Can Do

Here are some suggestions for ways to help your child to have fun while learning this summer:

If you are the parent of an elementary school student:

  • Encourage reading. Visit the library together and let your child pick out stories or books to read. Schedule time to read together. Show your child that your enjoy reading for pleasure.
  • Help your child plant a garden or a window box. Let your child pick the seeds or seedlings and read the instructions. Set up a chart for care of the plants.
  • Do some exploring while you're having a picnic or at the beach. Help your child examine rocks, leaves, insects, shells or fish. Visit the Zoo, the Aquarium, or the Science Center.

    If you are the parent of a middle school student:

  • Encourage reading. Let your child select the books that interest him or her. Have a family discussion over dinner about the books you each are reading.
  • If you're planning a trip, sit down with a map and show your child where you will be going and the places you will pass through. Figure out the mileage and travel expenses. Identify and visit historic places or attractions that provide opportunities for enrichment.
  • Let your child help you cook from recipes. Plan a menu and shop for ingredients. Lots of chances here to reinforce math skills like fractions and measurements.

    If you are the parent of a high school student:

  • Encourage reading and writing. Most high schools require summer reading. Show an interest in the books your child is reading. Suggest journal or letter writing; your child may even consider writing a poem or short story.
  • Plan family game nights. Let your child invite a friend or two. Select games that require thinking skills and strategic moves.
  • Encourage your child to volunteer for a community cause. And if your child has a summer job, help him or her develop a budget or savings plan.

    The next time your child says - "I'm bored! What can I do?" - be ready with a list of activities that meet the test of "fun-filled and mind-expanding."

    For more ideas, go to the Center for Summer Learning at: www.jhu.edu/teachbaltimore/activities/index.html

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