Summer Learning Challenge Week 1

Summer...learning? What??

I admit it. I want my kids to cherish their summer vacation at home, but I also don't want them to have their brain rot in front of a screen, either.  So this year I've instituted a weekly summer challenge to keep the kids' brains active and hopefully stave off some of the "I'm boreds."

How am I doing this challenge? Each of my kids is getting a binder with activities tailored toward their age and interests. My almost third-grader, who refuses to do AR until it's deadline time, has to focus a bit more on reading and retention. The carrot? For every five "book reports," he earns a Gatorade. Crazy, but it was just the incentive this little boy needed.

My almost-middle-schooler? She has different struggles: Follow-through and turning work in. So we're focusing on completing all the Junior Girl Scout badges she said she wanted to earn before she becomes a Cadette. I don't have to worry about the reading part, as she blew out the school record for AR points accumulated!

So between you and I, they're learning. But we won't tell them.

Week 1 Activities: Incoming 3rd Grade Boy

• —       Make sure all your school papers you don’t want to keep are recycled and the school supplies put away.
• —       Sign up for summer reading program.
• —       Read a book and finish your first book report of the summer. Remember, for 5 book reports you get a Gatorade!
• —       Take a hike with mom if the weather is good.
• —       Figure out how old our trees are in our yard! Use a measuring tape to measure around the trunk of the tree. The distance around the trunk of a tree is called the circumference. Write this measurement down on a piece of paper. The measurement of the circumference in inches is also the approximate age of the tree in years!
• —       Play “Defensive Multiplication” or another math game that’s not on the computer.
• —       Take care of your garden.
• —       Make a birthday card for Dad.

Week 1 Activities: Incoming 6th Grade Girl

• —       Make sure all your school papers you don’t want to keep are recycled and the school supplies put away.
• —       Sign up for summer reading program.
• —       Take a hike with mom if the weather is good.
• —       Organize your closet.
• —       Play “Defensive Multiplication” or another math game that’s not on the computer with your brother.
• —       Make a birthday card for Dad.
• —       Start your sewing project Grandma got you when we visited!
• —       Take care of your garden.

What are you doing with your kids to help them stay active this summer? Share your ideas below!