Summer is an excellent opportunity to spend some extra time with our kids and encourage them to grow academically without even realizing it!
The administrators at ILTexas has provided this list of resources to help our students keep the Chinese and Spanish languages at the forefront of their minds throughout the summer. This is also a great opportunity for parents to get involved and learn right along with our kiddos!
Here are some other tips for summer enrichment in all areas:
- Locate a summer program that fits your budget. Programs offered by schools, recreation centers, universities, and community-based organizations often have an educational or enrichment focus.
- Head to the library. It’s a great, free resource. Check out books that interest your child. Participate in free library summer programs and make time to read every day.
- Focus on communication. Encourage your child to discuss or write about the books he or she is reading, or keep a journal of favorite events and activities during the summer.
- Take advantage of local amenities.Take free or low-cost educational trips to parks, museums, zoos and nature centers.
- Explore and learn. If you are taking a day trip by car, choose a place with an educational theme. Camping is a low-cost way to get outside and learn about nature.
- Give math meaning. Measure items around the house or yard. Track daily temperatures. Add and subtract at the grocery store. Learn fractions while cooking.
- Play outside. Power down theTV and electronic games and, instead, seek out or organize physical activities that contribute to healthy development.
- Do a community service project. Teach your child how to volunteer in your community. Cleaning up a local park or collecting supplies for an animal shelter builds compassion for others as well as community pride.
- Keep a schedule. Continue daily routines during the summer with structure and limits. The key is providing a balance and keeping kids engaged.
- Prepare for all. Find out what your child will be learning during the next school year by talking with teachers at that grade level. Many schools prepare summer packets of activities highlighting math and reading skills for the next grade level.
- Preview concepts and materials over the summer.
Find out more at: www.summerlearning.org
-- The International Leadership of Texas is a free, public charter with campuses in Arlington, Garland and Keller. The school's mission is to prepare students for exceptional leadership roles in the international community by emphasizing servant leadership, mastering the English, Spanish, and Chinese Languages, and strengthening the body, mind and spirit.
