Summer Ideas for Elementary Aged Children
Children 6 and up have a reasoning mind and are cognitively thinking big picture. They love learning about the universe, the world, history, science and nature. During the summer months, everyone enjoys a slower pace away from the rigor of an academic environment, but your older child may need to continue and further their mental stimulation and capacity.
1. Read together. Whether your child is an emerging reader, or a full independent reader, find time and space to continue fostering the love for books and stories. Carve out a half an hour to read next to each other on the couch, reading out loud stories, chapter books or poems.
2. Show your child how to keep a journal or diary.
Reflections on their day.
Writing down timely notes of the days events as they go (8:00am wake up, 8:15 make breakfast, etc.).
Writing down animal facts or nature facts they discover in a book or in a real world experience.
4. Write letters or postcards to friends and relatives. Engage your child with writing in a purposeful, meaningful way by scribing to loved ones. Write thank you cards, or invitations to a playdate. Demonstrate the process of snail mail by making an errand to the post office or mailbox.
5. Memorize math facts (+, X, ÷, -) with flashcards, or writing your own tables.
7. Memorize and practice spelling. Start a journal with words to practice spelling, used in conjunction with a small child’s dictionary.
8. Make regular visits to the public library to discover new authors and new subjects. Explore books on nature, science and autobiographies.
10. Practice telling time.
Animal Fact Postcards - can be colored in and then mailed to a friend.