Summer Learning Plans
As summer approaches and the academic year comes to a close, many parents find themselves concerned about how to keep their child engaged and learning over the summer months. This week, we’ve gathered activities, camps, and our top tips for helping your children spend the summer learning – and having fun at the same time!
Sign Up For Summer Camps or Classes
There is an abundance of summer camps, both in-person and online, that incorporate both physical and educational elements. As of this mailing, iCamp’s STEAM Summer Camp in the Hamptons still had availability; the camp offers options for children 18 months – 13 years in Bridgehampton. All camps feature a rotating program highlighting science, computer coding, art, and movement. Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island also offers three wonderful summer programs for children: Traditional (with a heavy emphasis on botany and plant growth), Forest Theater, and STEM. We are particularly excited about the unique forest theater experience; the 3-week course culminates in an outdoor performance highlighting elements of nature. Golden Eagle in East Hampton still has availability for its Summer Art Camp; each week features a different theme and children will learn about and work with a variety of styles and mediums over the summer, as well as learn about art history and some famous artist- in week 3, children will make their own masterpiece inspired by Picasso or Monet! If you’ll be traveling or don’t have camps available in your area, consider enrolling your child in a virtual option. Outschool offers a mix of online classes, both one-time and ongoing – the site makes it easy to filter by age or interest. When traveling, we also recommend you check the schedule for local museums – many offer one-time drop-in classes for children during the summer. You might be surprised what options you have!
Learn a Language Together as a Family
Show children that learning continues throughout life – it doesn’t end when they finish school! Learn a language together through Rosetta Stone or Duolingo. Set aside specific times to practice together (maybe half an hour each day?) and fun ways to incorporate the language into your days. Label foods in your fridge or commonly used items in the new language. Learn about the history of the language and its country of origin – for example, you could cook Spanish recipes together or visit the Louvre online to see French masterpieces.
Plan Thoughtfully
Wherever you are, ask your child’s caregiver to come up plan thoughtful, educational activities. It’s important to retain some elements of structure during the summer months – as much as possible, have your child wake up, nap, and go to sleep at the same time. Perhaps decide on a summer schedule with some physical activity in the morning and an educational activity in the afternoon. While it’s important to allow for free play time as well, structure will keep both children and adults on track during the summer months. There are plenty of lists online with activity ideas – here’s one we like with creative ideas.
Make Use of Your Environment
The summer months are a a great chance to show children that learning can happen anywhere, not just inside a classroom. If you’ll be in a summer home or traveling, make a plan to help your children make the most of the different locations. Click here for educational activities to do on the beach or here for desert-themed activities. If you’ll be spending time on a yacht this summer, take the time to teach children about ships – we love this Design & Play STEAM Boats Kit. If you’ll simply be enjoying a nice outdoor space, plan a nature walk, make a bird feeder, or make sun prints. We’ve recommended it before, but Play the Forest School Way remains one of our favorite books for making the most of time outdoors with children.ucational activity in the afternoon. While it’s important to allow for free play time as well, structure will keep both children and adults on track during the summer months. There are plenty of lists online with activity ideas – here’s one we like with creative ideas.