5 Brain-Boosting Ways to Prevent the Summer Slump

Are you looking for ways to keep your kids learning this summer? My kids are only 2 and 3, but even more so, I want them to continue capitalizing on the brains of theirs that are so spongey and eager to learn.

As an early education and psych minor in college (the more ya know!), I took a lot of childhood development courses, so I feel even more prepared to share some knowledge with y’all on this topic.

Here are 5 ways to keep your kids engaged and to prevent that summer slump:

1. Daily Review

I love this one. And it doesn’t have to be so academic, but even just talking about what your child has learned during the school year can count. As your child gets older, you can definitely find summer learning worksheets (your child’s school might even send work home). Spend 10-15 minutes a day doing this with your child.

I’m really working on reviewing the alphabet and staying up with the Torah Portion of the week. I really like Aish.com’s coloring pages for young kids about the parsha. And I love these Alphabet Review Sheets I found online. If you google just about any kind of worksheet you’re looking for, you can be sure to find some free printables to work on with your kids.

2. Summer reading programs

A lot of local public libraries have reading programs for kids during the summer. Many are incentivized, which can be fun for older kids. Of course, encouraging reading books on the summer reading lists for school is important too. Set aside 15-20 minutes a day and have your child read. If an hour for daily review and reading is too much for your child, split it up over the course of the day. Maybe suggest reading at night to wind down before bed, instead of watching a tv show.

3. go on education field trips

Summer is a special time to make memories with your family. When your kids are home from camp and school, you can use it as a time to get some real education in the field. Head to your local museums or aquariums. Use the trip as a time to read the signs at the exhibits, and encourage your child’s love of learning about the world.

4. Fun STEM activities

Sign up for a subscription service to receive regular STEM/STEAM activities in the mail for your children. It’s a great way to engage their minds and help them use their imaginations. We really like Kiwi, Co. And you can get your FIRST MONTH FREE!

There are a lot of STEM/STEAM activities you can buy on Amazon as well. Here are some good ones I found:

5. Get outside and play!

Academics are important, but so is being a kid. Summer is the perfect time to take that much-needed break from the rigorous school schedules our kids face these days. Get your kids off the screen and outside for at least an hour a day.

You won’t regret being out in the heat, and they won’t resent you for it either. In fact, by getting them up and moving, they’ll be able to have better concentration when you do want to focus on academics at a different time in the day.

Have a great summer of brain boosting and making wonderful memories!