Keep Learning Alive This Summer!

Summer learning does not have to involved textbooks.  In fact, it is well documented that experiential learning helps move concepts from the abstract to the concrete, making summer the perfect time for learning opportunities to abound.  "Summer is the perfect time to help children make the connections between what they have learned in the classroom and real-world examples" says Autumn Hendry, Family Placement Manager at College Nannies & Tutors of Grayson.

Trip to the Park?  Bring a field guide, and have fun identifying different types of trees and birds.  Bring a journal to record your findings.  Trip to the beach?  Talk about how waves are formed.  Build a sand castle, complete with a moat creating an imaginary world that can come alive.  Rainy day?  Visit local museums and take advantage of hands-on exhibits geared towards school age children.

These examples illustrate the point that summer learning does not have to involve a lesson plan.  It does involve planning, however, the good news is that there are a multitude of educational websites designed to give you ideas, activities, and information.  Google "summer activities for kids" and a plethora of ideas will be at your fingertips; add your local city for more targeted fun.  Parents and caregivers can spend 30 minutes at the beginning of each week researching something fun and unique for the week ahead.  For additional learning, get the kids involved in the planning process!

At College Nannies & Tutors, learning comes alive in the summer with College Nannies equipped with easy to carry messenger bags chock full of activities selected to engage the children in their care.  "I love bringing new activities for the children" says Amanda, who has been a College Nanny for three years.  "It gives them something to look forward to and the kids are always excited to learn what I have planned for them when I walk in the door!"

Here are a few of College Nannies & Tutors' favorite summer learning practices:

1.  Read 20 minutes per day.  Read for fun!  Help your child select reading material that aligns with their interests.  If they don't like books, try interest specific magazines.

2.  Get outside and explore.  Air, water, grass, birds, and trees:  teach children to ask questions about their environment and seek answers.

3.  Learn by doing.  Baking, gardening, crafts, and constructing:  children are hard wired for learning!

4.  Teach by example.  Don't sit on the sidelines.  Engage in the planned activity, express your interest and lead in the exploration.

5.  Make connections to the classroom.  Visit local historical sites to help your child visualize history lessons.  Ask your children for their math expertise:  counting change or estimating how much time a car trip will take are fun ways to incorporate math skills into every day life.

Summer learning will translate into a lifetime desire to learn!  Are you ready to take the Summer Learning Challenge!  If you need support this summer for a fun filled, learning focused summer, call College Nannies & Tutors of Grayson at 770-237-8535 today to learn about our flexible Summer Nanny programs. Whether you need a few hours for a few weeks or all summer long, our RockStar staff are ready to make this a summer to remember!