Making the Most of Summer: Fun, Learning, and Family Time
May 14, 2025 | by Amber Robinson
Making the Most of Summer: Fun, Learning, and Family Time
Summer is just around the corner! As the school year wraps up, many families are looking forward to sunny days, vacations, and a well-deserved break. While rest and relaxation are important, summer is also a great time to continue learning, explore new adventures, and make lasting memories with your children. Here are some tips to help your family make the most of summer while keeping learning fun and engaging.
1. Embrace the Adventure: Fun Family Activities
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore. Plan weekly adventures like nature hikes, trips to the local zoo, or visits to museums. If you’re staying close to home, consider:
Backyard Camping: Pitch a tent, make s’mores, and gaze at the stars.
Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of items to find in your neighborhood or local park.
Gardening Together: Teach your child about nature by planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
These activities not only create lasting memories but also foster curiosity and hands-on learning.
2. Avoid the Summer Slide: Keep the Learning Going
It's important to keep young minds active during the summer to prevent the “summer slide.” Research shows that students can lose up to 25% of their reading and math skills over the break. The good news? A little bit of daily practice can make a big difference.
Colearn Academy families have access to amazing online learning programs throughout the summer:
iReady – Personalized lessons for Reading and Math.
Lexia – Builds foundational reading skills with interactive and adaptive learning.
DreamBox – Engaging math practice that adapts to each student’s skill level.
Reading Eggs & Mathseeds – Perfect for younger learners to build early literacy and numeracy skills.
Classworks – Reinforces key concepts in both reading and math.
Typing Agent – Helps students develop keyboarding skills, preparing them for success in the digital world.
Encourage your student to spend a little time each week exploring these tools to stay sharp and ready for the next school year.
3. Encourage Play and Creativity
Summer is also the perfect time to encourage unstructured play. Building forts, creating art projects, and simply exploring outside can spark creativity and critical thinking.
STEM Projects: Try easy science experiments at home—like making slime or building paper rockets.
Art and Music: Encourage your child to draw, paint, or learn a musical instrument.
Imaginative Play: Set up a “market” or “restaurant” at home where they can practice real-world skills.
Play is powerful for learning. It helps children develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
4. Game Time: Learning Through Play
Board games and card games are not only fun but also great for learning! Here are some age-appropriate recommendations:
For Younger Kids:
Candy Land & Chutes and Ladders: Teaches counting and sequencing.
Hi Ho! Cherry-O: Helps with basic math skills and color recognition.
Memory & Spot It!: Builds concentration and memory skills.
For Older Kids:
Scrabble: Enhances vocabulary and spelling skills.
Yahtzee: Sharpens math and probability skills.
Monopoly: Develops financial literacy, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
Clue: Encourages logical reasoning and deduction.
Game nights are a wonderful way to bond as a family while reinforcing critical thinking and academic skills. Consider setting a weekly game night where everyone picks their favorite!
5. Get Crafty: Fun Projects for All Ages
Crafting is not just a great way to pass the time; it also develops fine motor skills, creativity, and patience. Here are some simple, fun ideas:
Paper Plate Animals
DIY Slime
Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Handprint Art
Mason Jar Lanterns
To make crafting even easier, check out these great resources:
6. Set Goals and Celebrate Success
Finally, set small learning goals for the summer—like reading a certain number of books, mastering multiplication facts, or completing a project. Celebrate these milestones with special treats or family outings to keep motivation high.
Summer should be a time of joy, exploration, and growth. With a little planning, you can keep learning alive while creating beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
Here’s to a summer of fun, learning, and adventure!