-- Choose the right level of books. Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears -- not too hard, not too easy, but just the right level!
-- Read every day. Have them read the newspaper, comic books, recipes, menus, or even the Joke of the Day. Kids love to read jokes, so have them read one to the family at dinner time. Families should laugh together!
-- Read aloud to your children. Since you can read at a higher level, you can improve their knowledge base by reading more advanced vocabulary.
-- Join the summer reading program at the local library. They have fabulous resources.
-- Remember that children learn from what they see you doing. Check out books from the library and sit down and read alongside your child. Let them catch your love of learning!
-- Don't be afraid to reward your child for reading -- set reasonable goals and celebrate when they meet them.
We grew up reading all summer. That was before computers, of course. Rather than turning off their computers completely, try to balance the two. Here are some ideas to make reading fun this summer.
Challenge your child – read a book and then watch the movie version together. Compare and contrast the book and movie– what’s the same, what’s different, which is better. Now here is the challenge – TRY to find a movie that is actually better than the book. It’s harder than you think!
For your older students, try to learn a little history by watching movies. There are many inspirational movies about honor and courage. Try watching Apollo 13 if you have ever heard someone say, “Houston, we have a problem!” or “Failure is not an option.” Watch Remember the Titans and Tuskegee Airmen if you want your children to understand prejudice. There are so many ways to teach virtue, and they usually involve engaging your children in discussions about difficult topics. Summer is a wonderful time to do this when you have long lazy afternoons and evenings free from homework!
Break out the board games for some family fun! There are lots of traditional games that are still around for a reason – they teach, but are fun! Break out the Chess board, Monopoly, Rack-O, Scrabble, and decks of cards. Check out some new games that are amazing. Try Blokus and Ticket to Ride. And don’t overlook jigsaw puzzles. On our family beach trips, we always have one table set aside for a jigsaw puzzle. You’d be amazed at the conversations that develop around a quiet search for the missing piece of the puzzle!
Encourage your child to write. If writing is difficult, let them record their stories, but make sure they are being creative. Give them three photos or pictures to study, and have them spin a tale. Then change the setting and ask them to figure out how the story will change in a different setting. (Move from the city to the country, from winter to summer, from modern-day to the 1970’s or the 2030’s). Engage their imaginations and join in the fun!
Talk about how you put your faith in action. Show them how you help others, how you show gratitude, how you treat your family members. Go to Church when you don’t have to – not just on Sundays. Visit a significant religious sacred place, like the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg. Spend time talking with your children about what is important in your own life.
Get to know your community. This is scary, but take a drive around town without using your GPS! Notice the places of business that you might not have seen, the number of churches of different faiths, and the neighborhoods that are off the beaten path.
I am a huge fan of baking. Summers are such a perfect time to browse through cookbooks and try new things. It’s also a fun time to introduce some of the special recipes from the family recipe box. Kids can learn a lot about measurement and sequencing by making a recipe. They can learn to read aloud, to follow directions, and they get a quick reward for all their efforts. They also can learn to clean up after themselves. Finally, when the finished product is done, they learn to share. So much to learn from an afternoon in the kitchen!
Make an ordinary day special. Surprise your spouse or parent with a special celebration in their honor. I remember one winter when my husband’s job was a bit more stressful than usual, the kids and I decided to have a “Daddy Day” just for him. When he got home from work, we surprised him with a gift and a special meal in his honor. The kids helped to plan, cook, set the table, and serve the meal. The evening became a treasured memory for us all. This could be a great opportunity to bring out the good china and cloth napkins and teach them how to dine and entertain a little more formally. (On the other hand, if you always eat at home, plan a special night out!)
Inspired? Develop your own ideas and have fun with your children! Summer’s here!
Blessings,
Barb
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