Health
The ABC’s of Summer Learning
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Dr. Alicia Kober, Pediatrician, Ochsner Health- Central
Learning does not end when the last school bell tolls. In fact, summer is ripe with opportunities for learning, whether it is a parent-led adventure or a camp activity. Children enjoy spending time with their parents and the summer is the perfect time to do just that. To get the most out of your time together, limit your child’s TV, video game and computer time. Take advantage of this time to explore the great outdoors or play games together. It is also a great opportunity for easy and inexpensive learning adventures.
Open a Book: Summer is a great time to brush up on reading skills. Most libraries offer free summer reading programs that encourage reading and even reward top readers for their efforts. You can also beat the summer heat by spending a long, hot afternoon reading to your child. It is also important for your child to see you reading a book on your own as they will model that behavior themselves. Parents can make summer reading even more productive by getting the next school year’s reading assignments and encouraging their child to read ahead.
Summer Learning Really Adds Up: If your child has a problem subject, summer break can be the best time of the year to enlist a tutor’s help since there aren’t additional class requirements. For subjects such as math, which are cumulative, it is important to get your child caught up over the summer so that they will be prepared for the next level of learning. If a tutor is not part of the equation, parents can work with their child by practicing math skills a few nights a week. Math practice can involve simple flashcards or an age-appropriate math workbook. The best ideas are ones that make practice fun and involve the entire family including having your child assist with balancing the checkbook or getting their assistance with cooking meals and measuring ingredients.
Camp Learning: Most camps today offer fun and educational activities with a range of themes from science exploration and sports to theater and the arts. Select your child’s camp carefully based on their personal interest and the areas in which they need growth. Camp curriculum can help children learn in a fun environment. Camps are also a great opportunity to introduce your child to new people and ideas.
It’s important to remember that summer should not be all work and no play. Remember to balance your child’s summer learning with plenty of opportunities for play and relaxation.
Playing games with your child is also a great way to promote brain development and learning. Encourage their imagination by building forts in the backyard or having tea parties in the gazebo. Just observing the clouds and discussing how they form and why it rains can spark their scientific interest. Limit your child’s time in front of the TV, game system or computer. Encourage their imagination by playing together. Explore the outside world.
Summer is a special time of the year for children and parents alike. Families tend to spend more time together during the long vacation months. This time together is not only important for your child’s sense of security and self esteem but it’s a great time to learn together.
Summer is a special time of year for children and parents alike. Family vacations, going to grandma’s and just relaxing are usually top priorities, but what about summer learning? With a little planning and creativity your child can be a summer scholar. Or simply read a book yourself – your child will then model your behavior. Parents can also help their child get a head start by getting the next school year’s reading assignments and encouraging their child to read them during the dog days of summer.
While summer vacation lends itself well to reading, writing and arithmetic, it is important to also keep a balance of fun, relaxation and play. Summer is a magical time for children and their parents. Be sure to balance the learning with the fun that only comes from vacation time.
Dr. Alicia Kober is a Pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center – Central. Contact her at 261-9790.
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