Fun Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students - Guest Post

A question that people who are unfamiliar with homeschooling often ask is if there is really much of a distinction between holidays and school days if you are being homeschooled. Doesn’t every day feel like a holiday? After all, study plans are not as rigid and structured as they are at regular schools. The answer is that the way children are homeschooled varies and yes, they are more flexible. But to completely slack off from studies during summer holidays will be as much of a step back for children being homeschooled as it is to children who attend regular school.

"Our new homeschool room” by prayingmother is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It is amazing how easily kids forget what they have learnt in school during summer vacations. This means precious amount of time is spent reviewing the previous lessons before proceeding with the new ones. Worksheets are a great way to help kids practice what they have learnt but summer learning does not have to stop there. They can learn various skills with fun activities and expand their knowledge.

Build a Game

This summer, playing online games may not be such a bad thing. There are many educational games for kids that can replace worksheets. It need not stop there. Kids can be encouraged to play simpler games and then work with apps and tutorials to understand how these games function. In other words, these games can be seen as a gateway to teaching coding to young children.

What kids can learn: educational content in games, coding and logical thinking

Patch of Herbs

What’s summer without some greenery and flowers? Flowers or vegetables can be difficult to tend to. However, children can get started with a little herb garden. They can learn about the benefits of herbs and how to grow them. Taking care of their garden will teach them responsibility. A place that receives sunlight for at least five to six hours a day is a good place to plant the herbs. You can also plant them in small containers and keep them near a window that receives sunlight. Herbs that can be grown are parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme, mint and sage. All you need is seeds or the plants, fertilizer, and potting soil. Children can write the names of the herbs on index cards to recognize the herb.

What kids can learn: processes involved in growing plants, types of herbs, responsibility

“Preschool Veggie Picking Field Trip” by Peter & Joyce Grace is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Summer Comic

Instead of traditional journaling, kids can start creating a comic of their summer vacations. Encourage them to pick the highlight for a day and draw a single panel each day to track how their holidays were spent. Another way to journal is with a ‘photograph a day’ project. Children can pick an object or event to photograph each day. This will allow them to observe what is around them more closely. If they feel unsure about what to shoot, creating a theme will help. For example, ‘Summer Flavors’ can be everything that stands for summer, from ice creams to a hammock. The theme can also be less abstract but that may not motivate kids to make connections that are less obvious.

What kids can learn: creative thinking, observational skills

“researching and taking notes” by Jimmie is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Tour Guide

If you are planning a vacation, turn that into an activity that will teach children how to research the place and collect relevant information. Ask them to create a booklet about the place you will be visiting that covers the history, interesting places to see, and other cultural details. Once you are back, they can write a little piece about the place as an experience instead of just facts.

What kids can learn: culture, history, how to research online, gathering information and writing

With a calendar packed with fun learning activities, summer will be a breeze! What do you have on your agenda?

Author Bio:

Corinne Jacob is a wannabe writer who is convinced that kids learn best when they’re having fun. She is constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ways to make learning an enjoyable experience. Corinne loves all things that scream out un-schooling, alternative education and holistic learning.

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