Tag Archives: Summer

Three Ways to Help Your Child Stay Academically Checked In Even While They Check Out Over Summer

Just for Fun, Tips, Uncategorized, , ,
Photo Credit: https://flic.kr/p/iACTVC
Photo Credit: https://flic.kr/p/iACTVC

Around the mid-point of summer some children benefit from a little adult input to keep activities exciting.  When offering fun activity ideas, try to provide some that allow your children to exercise their brains as well as their bodies!  Here are a couple activity suggestions you could make your own!

 

1.  Family Board Game

Although many electronic games offer math and reading practice, only person-to-person interactive games can truly exercise educational AND social skills.  For example, when playing a board game, children are asked to problem solve, follow directions, and act/react appropriately to the game and its players.  Sometimes sibling rivalry can get the best of the players, but the lessons learned are often far more valuable than sitting in front of a screen.

 

2.  Play Outside!

Who doesn’t want to be outside in sunny southern California?  Sometimes kiddos need a little encouragement, but once they get out there, they’re bound to have a good time!  Encourage your kids to make up a game.  Creating rules of a game provides problem solving among the kids, value to each child’s perspective, and creativity.  To make it fair, let each child make one rule before going around again to create more rules.  This way each child will have an equal amount of input.  Listening skills are also a big part of creating a game with other people.  Go a step further and encourage your kids to make math or reading a part of the game.

 

3.  Follow a Recipe in the Kitchen

A great way to practice reading and math is to cook!  Involve your family in choosing recipes, reviewing the ingredients, making a shopping list, purchasing food at the store, and executing the recipe in your kitchen.  Not only will this activity provide you quality time with your kids, but leave them with a meaningful and educational experience.  Not to mention, a yummy snack, dinner or dessert!

 

The summer months provide time to enjoy activities with your family.  Encourage your kids to make the most of their time to “check out” by choosing meaningful activities that will help them stay “checked in”.

Don’t Let SENIORITIS Sneak up in Your Home!

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Don’t let SENIORITIS sneak up on you!

 

Photo Credit: Sabl3t3k https://flic.kr/p/8YCJjB
Photo Credit: Sabl3t3k https://flic.kr/p/8YCJjB

With spring popping up just around the corner, it is likely that more than high school seniors will get senioritis.  That’s right, I believe senioritis affects students of all ages.  All kids know summer is right around the corner, and with Open House and warmer weather on the horizon; the clues are hard to miss!

 

How can your family stay motivated to finish out the school year strong?

 

Make a list of the remaining projects and/or reports.  Students excel in predictable circumstances.  By making a list of upcoming major assignments, your child will be able to anticipate where hard work is needed. The greatest struggle with senioritis is once a student is “Checked Out” they will have a really hard time checking back in!

 

Write upcoming assignments on a desk or wall calendar so it is simple to see the amount of time a teacher is allowing the class to complete the project.  Procrastination is the enemy!  Springtime is often one of the busiest times of the year.  It is crucial that your child be realistic about the amount of time needed to complete schoolwork.

 

Set up a reward’s system!  What motivates your child?  Consider setting up a reward’s system where your child can work toward a major goal for summer.  For example, let’s say Palace Park is a family favorite.  You could provide your child with a certain number of coins each week he/she turns in assignments on time.  Then those coins can be used when your family goes to the park.  Make sure you set a date for the reward.  If the reward isn’t something approachable or tangible students may lose focus.

 

Don’t count on extra credit!  Teachers structure their assignments so a fair amount of points are provided through homework/classwork, projects, reports, and assessments.  Remind your child that each aspect of the class is important to prove his/her understanding of the material.  By neglecting one part, enough points could be lost to dramatically lower a grade.  Remember, unless a teacher has already provided the option for extra credit, it isn’t likely they will at the very end of the year.

 

Motivated Kids – Motivate Kids!  I used to snicker when my mother would say, “Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future”, but now I know it is true! We are influenced by the people around us.  Encourage your children to spend time with kids who have the same values as your family, who respect education and treat others nicely.  That way, when behaviors rub off, which they always do, your child will be positively influenced to finish the year strong!

 

 

What are some ways you prevent SENIORITIS from sneaking up on your family?

School’s Out Now What?

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Source: Jason Tucker (https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0090009/photos/abstrakone/26091723/)
Source: Jason Tucker (https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0090009/photos/abstrakone/26091723/)

It seems that every family waits in anticipation for summer.  Exciting outdoor activities, pool parties, and beach days make for wonderful family memories in beautiful Orange County.  I can’t help, but notice the number of families that find the need to get creative around this time of the summer to keep their busy kiddos occupied with meaningful, safe, and inexpensive activities.  Below are some of my favorite summer pastimes:

 

Concerts in the Park – I have always been impressed with Orange County cities and their emphasis on community building activities.  One of my favorites is “Concert in the Park”.  On Sunday afternoons, we can be found packing up the stroller with a picnic blanket, beach chairs, and enough snacks to feed a small army.  Next, we head to Aliso Viejo’s Grand Park for a relaxing concert and picnic dinner.  Activities for the kids include face painting and various games in the large grass area at the top of the amphitheater.  Nothing says summer time like good music, fun, and laughter!

 

Camping – Another favorite summer activity is camping.  Whether you are looking for the real camping experience or are better suited as a GLAMper, Orange County offers it all.  From beach to wilderness, all you need for camping is a warm sleeping bag, tent, and an organized family member who can plan out the meals.

 

Outdoor Mall Entertainment – With our beautiful Orange County weather, it is sometimes hard to stay inside.  Why not hit up the outdoor malls in the area.  The Spectrum, Fashion Island, and Kaleidoscope, all offer restaurants, air conditioned shopping, and of course, water features!  Specifically, “Kaleido Kids” offers free activities for children at the Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo from July 24th– August 26th.  Don’t forget about the OC Fair!  There is something for every member of the family.

 

There are countless opportunities for families to get involved in fun summer events.  It is no wonder Orange County is valued as one of the best places to raise a family.  What are your favorite summer pastimes?