Note: This post is sponsored by and written in collaboration with Maize Virtual Preparatory School.
School is out and summer is ramping up. Those dog days of summer can sometimes seem like an eternity. With a bit of planning, summer can be a great time to reconnect with your children, make new family memories, and enrich your child’s learning. Here are a few tips to help you make it a great summer for you and your kids!
Set your children up for success.
Plan ahead to have your child participate in at least one special activity, such as Vacation Bible School, Sports Clinics or Theater Camp. This will give your children an opportunity to develop a new skill. Plus, the anticipation of an exciting event is great for kids!
- Have a rhythm to your day and week.
One of the reasons parents quickly grow weary during the summer is due to the absence of daily scheduling. While summer is all about “no schedule,” some structure is good for kids and parents, too. A typical day might include completing chores and reading/book time in the morning and pool/outside time in the afternoon. In the evening, you may opt to have game night or movie time. Creating a rhythm will let kids know what to expect. Sharing an overview of the day – verbally or on the refrigerator is helpful for kids who benefit from routine and planning ahead.
Promote creativity!
Gather a box of recyclable materials, such as 2-liter soda bottles, plastic silverware, empty oatmeal cartons and egg cartons. Add tape, twine and thumbtacks. Ask your child to create something for the yard such as garden art or make something functional – a toy storage container for example. This type of project promotes discussion on using recycled materials and designing structures. Activities that allow children to create and build also reinforce STEAM concepts and skills. Join Maize Virtual Prep for a STEAM-themed event in your area this summer.
- Volunteer in your community.
Summertime lends itself to exploring your community or city’s needs. Volunteering with your children is a great activity for families to model serving others. Local food pantries, camps and non-profit organizations are constantly looking for assistance to clean grounds, pack food or assist as a camp volunteer. Look around your area to see where families can serve together, then you will be serving an
d making memories together.
Remember to make the most of your summer – be cool, be relaxed and be intentional!
Maize Virtual Preparatory School (MVPS) is a tuition-free virtual school offering the world-renowned Calvert curriculum for grades K-8. Discover what MVPS has to offer by attending one of their events or online info sessions and find out if a virtual education might be the right fit for your child.
About the author: Suzanne Wandling serves as Outreach Coordinator for the Maize Virtual Preparatory School.
