Kids can be tough critics, especially when it comes to entertainment. When they’re home for the summer, it can be difficult to keep them away from the tablet and engaged in educational activities. Most people think that educational activities have to take place at a museum, or at least some place where you can’t break for quick dip in the pool. However, the truth is that some of the best educational activities can take place right at your home.
Participate in Crafts
Crafts are a great way to keep your kids engaged and entertained. There are so many themed crafts for the summer that can teach kids motor skills, help them learn to follow directions, and give them an opportunity to create pieces they’re proud of. Summer themed crafts could include decorations for the Fourth of July, flower pictures, or insect creations.
Kids participating in crafts can reap many benefits. Along with helping them develop fine motor skills, arts and crafts can increase dexterity, improve hand-eye coordination, and promote creativity. Most importantly, this creative outlet can boost self-esteem while encouraging self-expression.
Use the Outdoors as a Classroom
Image via Flickr by tejvanphotos
One of the positives about summer learning is you have a beautiful classroom you can use — the great outdoors! So get your sunscreen and step into your backyard.
Did you want to set up a new garden? Include your kids and introduce them to the flowers or plants you’re setting up. Educate them on the different types of flowers: annuals, perennials, and biennials. Talk with them about how certain flowers come in different colors and how that works, scientifically.
While setting up your garden, you’re sure to come across some creepy crawlers too. Add these into the discussion. How do the bugs help the environment? Why are bees so important? Print out some pictures of commonly found bugs that are not dangerous (exclude bees, wasps, etc.) and have your kids try to find them in your yard. You can do the same with flowers. There are so many different age levels that these types of activities can work for, too, from pre-schoolers to middle schoolers.
Of course, some bugs and pests are not friendly to your outdoor space and definitely not welcome in your indoor space. Infestations of dangerous bugs like bees, wasps, or pests need to be professionally handled. In these situations, you can hire pest control in San Antonio to set up preventative pest and bug plans. Professionals know the safe and efficient ways to handle these problems, allowing you and your family to bask in the great outdoors.
Develop Learning Activities
It’s important to keep your child’s brain active when away from school. Fortunately, many STEM and literacy activities are fun, quick, and require little preparation. To help with sight words and reading, you can write the word on two popsicle sticks and then have your kids match them up. To learn map skills, set up a scavenger hunt in your backyard for treasure. Incorporate some science activities by doing tie-dye shirts or color-mixing experiments.
All of these activities will engage your children, stimulate their brain, and keep them entertained. These outdoor educational activities are a much better use of everyone’s time than vegging in front of a TV or tablet all day.
