Summer Homework

Fun summer homework ideas to keep your child learning during the summer vacation

During the summer vacation months, most children want to play and have fun. This is a great time to introduce your child to homework activities that are both educational and fun.

If you notice your child taking interest in any topic, encourage him to explore it. Collect information on that topic and have your child read about it. If you put together a list of books that you think would interest your child, he will read them and want to talk to you about them. Then ask your child to write a short report or summary on the book and to include his favorite parts. Who was his favorite character and why? What was his favorite part? Was the ending what he expected or different, and how? As he writes more, he will build skills and feel more comfortable when he receives assignments in school.

When your child reads and completes projects that you give him during the summer vacation months, reward him. Provide small incentives, such as taking him out for ice cream or a movie. While you and your child are out on these small trips, talk to him about what he has read and ask him which book he wants to read next. Find out if he would like you to read it also.

Other fun and educational summer homework projects that your child can explore are Legos, blocks, and brainteasers. Building games like Legos and blocks develop your child's spatial understanding as well as his creativity. Brainteasers teach your child problem solving methods and logic.

Engaging your child in creative and educational projects during the summer vacation allows him to continue learning and keeps him thinking long after school is out. By the time summer is over, he'll be ready and eager to go back to school.

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