Sylvan learning suggests creative and memorable summer activities for kids
Come summertime, kids are always looking for something fun, lucrative or rewarding to do. With summer just around the corner, parents still have time to encourage their kids to do something special - and maybe even a little different - this year.
Put on a play or concert and enhance creativity. Kids love to show off their talents. If you have an aspiring actor or musician in the family, suggest she get together with other performer-friends to entertain families or neighbors. Kids can write their own short plays from their favorite books - Amelia Bedelia books make for fun, silly plots - or Google "short plays for kids" for other ideas.
Help a neighbor and develop caring and responsible values. Many neighbors in your community would greatly appreciate some help around the house, in the yard, with the shopping, walking pets, washing cars or with errands. An hour or two a week allows your child to be helpful and gives your neighbor some assistance and company.
Do some gardening and learn geometry, botany and working within a budget. Organize a small plot of yard for flowers, plants or vegetables. At the library or online, help kids research gardens and gardening techniques. Give them an allowance for seeds. Help them design the plot, nurture it and reap the benefits.
Exhibit paintings or photographs and boost creativity, writing and social skills. Every child has an artistic streak. Encourage kids to draw, use pastels, watercolor or paint. Or take photos of friends, games, pets, flowers, neighbors, events or hikes. Put the photos in a hard-copy album or post online to share with others.
Play marathon board games and encourage logical thinking. Once or twice a summer, it's fun to have a game marathon. Invite friends over, serve snacks, laugh a lot. Take a few pictures for the summer journal.
Your main purpose, of course, is to keep your kids' minds and bodies active, their social skills keen, and their summer enjoyment high. Memories are made this way!
Submitted by Mandy Asher, Center Director for Sylvan Learning of North Idaho.