{photo by Christa Lind via Tookapic}
Today we have the results of our latest survey about what parents do to supplement learning during school breaks, and how they truly rest during breaks. Just in time, too, with a 3-week holiday break right around the corner!
But first, let us congratulate Michelle Stahnke – the winner of our Down Home drawing! Look for your coffee card in your file this week, Michelle!
And thank you to everyone who contributed! Here are the comments and tips we received – we hope they will be useful to you during our upcoming break (and beyond…):
Responses to the first question – Please list any learning ideas or resources that you like to use with your kids during school breaks:
• Sometimes, when its a short break, we rest, but if we have a week or more off we'll usually find something to do and relate it back to school, like the library, museums, movies.
• Kumon Math Program, Spelling City Website, Reading books aloud to each other, field trips to fun places like the L.A. Natural History Museum, and local museums and programs. The main thing we focus on is math, since it is a struggle for my daughter and l don't want to lose traction with it. Besides that, we do the others as we feel like it.
• Local hikes, car trips, time with family, reading and websites that supplement my kids' evolving interests are ways we continue learning and living during school breaks.
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Idea: if you have any past Math Mania games, bring them out and play them during breaks! |
• We do daily mental math during days when we aren't traveling or have company, we try to read supplemental literature (read-alouds or independent) and also work on projects that have been inspired by school work (i.e. electronics projects and art projects). We also include math games on family game nights!
• I do not do this anymore but when my son was in the lower grades we would always keep up with math during the summer. However, we would change the program. He loved the Life of Fred math books. They are based on story and humor and he enjoyed them. They kept him engaged and fresh in math so it wasn't so hard to get back into math once school started again. I also encouraged lots of fun reading.
• Our family usually catches-up on any missed SLOCA Down Home Blog resources. They are so rich and incredibly informative, not to mention our blog curator spends hours putting together these resources for us!
(Wow, thank you!)
Here's another idea you might take advantage of over the break, if you're looking for STEM enrichment for your kids: Hour of Code offers a 1-hour tutorial in computer coding for students of all ages (and it looks pretty fun!).
Responses to the second question – How do you rest and truly take a break over breaks?:
• We spend a lot of time snuggling, watching movies and getting outside for fresh air and exercise.
• When we're traveling or have company, we usually take a break from everything – instrument practice, math facts, etc. … though we still try to find time for daily reading for pleasure (which everyone enjoys).
• We go on 'adventures' around town. A hike, to the beach, a bike ride somewhere we haven't been. We also have a pile of books that we read on the couch just for fun!
• We eliminate alarm clocks.
• I like to create a list of things we want to do/accomplish over break – whether it's reading a book, visiting a special place or taking naps! I've found over the years that I actually get the rest (or naps!) I need when I schedule them in.
• I will be honest, I find it challenging with working. But we do lots of sleeping in and staying up late if we want. If we go on a vacation, we do not overbook the vacation with too many activities. If one day is sight seeing or doing things, the next day is hanging out and relaxing.
Thank you everyone! Such great advice and ideas. Think about what you want to do over the upcoming break and plan accordingly!
