Keep Your Children’s Minds Active Over the Summer
School is out for the summer, but maintaining balance in both body and minds of children is still important. Since there is no schedule of books and classes, now is the time to do some of those FUN activities that help children learn as well as have a good time.
1. Play outside. Playing in an organized sport of some type helps fight obesity as it also encourages listening, sharing and respect.
2. Get puzzled. Playing games such as Scrabble or Sudoku encourage thinking and problem-solving.
3. Collect. Collecting something, such as stamps or coins, can inspire learning and encourage research.
4. Start a journal or scrapbook. These activities encourage organization, writing and creativity.
5. Make daily plans. When children participate in planning the day’s events, they learn responsibility and how to meet deadlines.
6. Go grocery shopping. Adding up the bill in advance can help children develop math skills. Doing comparison shopping together helps with decision-making skills as well as budgeting.
7. Cook. When students work with ingredients, they practice math and reading skills, cooking also encourage self-sufficiency.
8. Read. Parents should read with their children to keep them learning and discovering through words.
9. Create a job. Doing jobs such as baby-sitting or pet-sitting can help children learn about specific duties and finances.
10. Volunteer. Helping with a charitable organization or giving assistance to an elderly neighbor can teach children about sacrifice and responsibility.
Places to visit over the summer:
Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana
Orange County Marine Institute, Dana Point
Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles
