Keep Learning This Summer

Summer can be a tricky time to keep your child’s learning abilities and skills in check – kids just want to play and are not really thinking about opening their math exercise books. But here are a couple of ideas how to make sure your children are learning and having fun at the same time during summer!

If you’re not dedicating a certain amount of time to reading each day, books can easily fall by the wayside (along with your child’s reading skills). Make it a point to read every day, but let your kids read whatever they want to! Let them choose the books and enjoy their time.

Many schools, like Arroyo Pacific Academy, offer summer reading lists and activities to keep kids engaged during vacation. This year’s picks are House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros for freshman, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
by Sherman Alexie, for sophomores The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston for juniors and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde for seniors.

You can also let kids help you with planning – whether you’re planning a vacation or a family fun day, put your kid to work researching the destination and logistics of your travels. Allow them to plan your day, including everything from getting directions to researching hours and prices. Not only will your child be sharpening their critical thinking and researching skills, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of their work.

Let them get creative – supply your kids with a special summer scrapbook or journal to chronicle their adventures. Encourage them to draw pictures and write about their experiences. Doing so will keep their writing skills fresh and encourage creativity.

And don’t forget about math skills – put your child’s math skills to work in a practical sense by allowing them to help you in the kitchen measuring ingredients and even doubling recipes. Other practical math activities include: counting up their money in piggy banks for a special toy or encouraging them to start their own business!

Follow these tips and you’ll be ready for a great school year. For more tips on how to make the most of your child’s summer, contact Arroyo Pacific Academy at (626) 294 0661. They are located at 41 West Santa Clara Street in Arcadia. You can visit the school online at www.arroyopacific.org.