Fun and Learning Summer Experiences by
Carolyn Hornik
We all know how important it is for students to continue participating in activities that stimulate their minds as well as ones that keep them happily
engaged over the long summer vacation. We, as educators can turn summer vacation into a bridge to the next grade level for our students by providing suggestions to parents, caregivers
and students on how to spend the summer months productively. We can encourage parents and students to find fun in learning.
We are fortunate to live and teach in the New York Metropolitan area, filled with so many exciting places to visit and activities to take part in. Let’s
begin with places to visit:
Museums
Museums offer first hand experiences in areas such as art, architecture, photography, natural history, movies, television, radio, and technology. Many of these
museums offer classes, workshops, and hands on experiences.
A listing and specific information about New York City museums may be found at: http://ny.com/museums/
Students and their families can discover the wonders of animal life and their habitats at zoos, aquariums and animal parks. Classes, workshops, and hands on experiences with animals are offered at most
locations.
Experience the magnificence and beauty of our local parks and gardens. Classes, workshops and hands on experiences with plants, flowers and trees are offered
at most locations.
Many public parks also offer the opportunity for students to take part in sports, such as swimming, baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and track.
Many of these activities are available at public parks.
For New York City park and garden listings, check out:
There are a wealth of fun and educational activities to do at home. Math and science concepts can be learned through cooking. Find recipes children will love
to cook at:: Kids Recipes http://childrensrecipes.com/
As children play card games and board games, they develop critical thinking skill, communication skills, as well as language, math, reading, social studies,
and science concepts. Suggested games to play include:
Monopoly
Careers
Scrabble
Lotto
Chess
Backgammon
Mancala
Memory Game
Game Of The States
Shoots and Ladders
Boggle
Payday
Clue
Battleship
Checkers
Yahtzee
Risk
Uno
Rummy
Concentration
Racko
Upwards
The Game of Life
Let’s encourage students to be lifelong, successful and active learners by encouraging them to spend the summer recess time productively. Become a resource
to parents, caregivers and students by sharing the above ideas with them.
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