It’s summer time again which means school is out—but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Keep your kid’s mind working this summer with fun learning activities. Theresa Bundgaard, owner of the Valley’s Teaching & Learning Stuff, has tips on how to keep kids busy with math, reading and spelling. Teaching & Learning Stuff has been providing kids with access to the best educational supplies, materials and products since 1993. Check out any of the four locations in Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa and Flagstaff.
MATH
Dice-In-Dice
Combat math practice boredom with dice. “Younger learners can add the numbers from the inside and outside of the dice. Two players can race each other for the first correct answer in a game of speed or a game of war can be played where the players compare the sum of their dice. The player with greater sum wins a point. The first player to 10 points wins. This game can be played with multiple players or multiple dice. More advanced children can practice subtraction, multiplication, integers, fractions or a combination of these math operations,” Bundgaard says.
Mental Math
Practicing mental math daily is extremely important; provide opportunities throughout the day for kids to practice. Bundgaard gives an example of how easy finding time to practice can be. “While driving, take advantage your kids’ undivided and uninterrupted time. Offer age-appropriate math problems and allow them plenty of time to formulate their answers. If you are traveling with more than one child, make sure that only one child at a time gets to provide the answer. You can then ask the others if they agree with the answer.”
SPELLING
Sidewalk Spelling Challenge
Bundgaard suggests using sidewalk chalk to combine playing with learning. “Spell out the alphabet on the ground outside in very large letters. Say a spelling word for your child and have them physically move to each letter as they spell it out verbally. Learning outside is viewed as playtime and provides physical movement while learning. To extend the activity, have your child explain the meaning of the word or use it in a sentence.”
Shaving Cream Spelling Bee
For kids who love to get their hands dirty, Budgaard suggests filling a cookie sheet with shaving cream, say a spelling word aloud and have your child spell it out in the cream. “Children enjoy the texture and the scent of the shaving cream while they practice their spelling.”
READING
Television and Reading Mash-Up
Bundgaard says, there is no other way to improve reading fluency other than through practice. “While your kiddos are enjoying their favorite television show, mute the sound and turn on the closed captioning. A quick 10-minute session is all that is needed to keep their skills fresh. Keep in mind that the words will move quickly so this is more appropriate for more advanced readers.”
Storytelling
If you have younger children, encourage storytelling. “Younger children love to read to an audience. Have your child read aloud while you drive or work on a household chore. Kids also enjoy reading to family pets,” says Bundgaard.
