Keeping Kids on Track This Summer

School's out for summer and your children are probably already spending more time in front of the television or computer screen. It's totally normal for kids to "veg out" a little once school is over for the year, but it's also important to make sure they do not forget everything they learned in the process! By making an effort to keep your kids learning and discovering new things, you'll have them geared up and ready for the new school year come fall. Here are a few summer learning activities that your children might enjoy. Get Them to Read Books Get your children hooked on reading—be it e-books or actual books. Make time to visit the library with your children. And even if books can now be easily downloaded in a single click, nothing still comes close to holding and reading actual books! Also keep in mind that you can find more than just books at the library; many also offer updated copies of newspapers, magazines, and even DVDs. Some libraries even have free or very inexpensive events, such as reading programs and volunteer opportunities, so keep this in mind for more summer learning fun. Check Out Local Points of Interest Consider spending a day at a local museum, where you and your children can immerse yourselves in history and learn fascinating things about the area that you never knew before. Check out a local state or national park and allow your children to explore nature on their own. If you live in or near a major city, there's a good chance you also have a zoo nearby, many of which offer special exhibits and summer learning activities for kids. Enroll Them in Summer Camp or Sports Spending a few days away at a summer camp is a great way to keep your children learning about nature, trying new things, and co-existing with others. Summer camps are offered for children of various ages, and can take place during the day or even for several days/weeks at a time with overnight accommodations, so you can be sure to find a camp that meets your needs. Furthermore, signing your children up for a sport that interests them can help teach them valuable lessons in teamwork and dedication while also helping to keep them in good physical shape and develop strength. This is a win-win for all involved. Above all else, try not to stress too much about making every moment a learning moment for your children. Allow them to enjoy their vacations, but do take advantage of those teachable moments as they arise. This way, your children will naturally develop a love for learning and discovery. Happy summer!