Don’t Let Your Child’s Summer Go To Waste
By Lina Younes
Summer is nearly here. Children are getting out of school. They are very happy to get away from tests, papers, and other school related tasks. However, we often see that over the summer months many students, especially in the lower grades, lose many of their academic skills during the extended time that they are away from school. So as parents, what are we to do?
Increasingly, there are many programs to encourage children to keep reading during the summer and camps to teach children special skills. Online you can also find a wealth of information, educational websites and games. However, there is another educational activity that might not readily come to mind, but is equally beneficial to a child’s well-being and learning experience. How about getting active and exploring the great outdoors? As children start exploring nature and outdoors activities, they awaken their innate curiosity and develop an interest in their surroundings and even in science. Those lessons stay with them throughout their life and may even lead to an interest in protecting the environment and pursing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers.
Just recently, as we were developing a Spanish webpage to highlight the contributions of Hispanic women scientists at EPA during Women in Science and Technology Month now in June, there was one thing that immediately stood out. Regardless of their background, these remarkable women all shared a love for the outdoors. They all described how as children they would explore nature and how they loved playing outside with their friends.
So, this summer, why don’t we take advantage of the opportunity now that we have more free time with our children to address the so called “nature deficit disorder” and pursue outdoor activities? I know we might hear some initial grumblings from our kids who may protest getting disconnected from all their electronic gadgets, but you’ll soon see how they embrace playing outside. Of course, we don’t all have a beautiful national park in our backyard, but I’m sure that there may be some hidden treasures in your local neighborhood that you can explore with your kids.
Any big plans for this summer? As always, we will love to hear from you.
Jun 07, 2012 @ 12:18:58
Very supportive, this activity is very meaningful, schools should actively promote
Jun 07, 2012 @ 14:35:04
This is what i have been looking for.
Jun 07, 2012 @ 14:41:08
I honor anyone that protects the environment especially during a financial crisis as the U.S. is now in. Developing a spanish webpage to reach others should be applauded.
Jun 07, 2012 @ 22:09:49
I plan to keep my child learning and having fun at the same time. I have picked up some Business Games From some best seller authors and I am taking them to a individualized education program.
Jun 07, 2012 @ 22:10:31
EPA during Women in Science and Technology Month now in June, there was one thing that immediately stood out. Regardless of their background, these remarkable women all shared a love for the outdoors. They all described how as children they would explore nature and how they loved playing outside with their friends.
So, this summer, why don’t we take advantage of the opportunity now that we have more free time with our children to address the so called “nature deficit disorder” and pursue outdoor activities? I know we might hear some initial grumblings from our kids who may protest getting disconnected from all their electronic gadgets, but you’ll soon see how they embrace playing outside. Of course, we don’t all have a beautiful national park in our backyard, but I’m sure that there may be some hidden treasures in your local neighborhood that you can explore with your kids.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 00:58:22
Very true. Schools should do something. This can help us to make our kids active and all rounder. Nice concept!!
Jun 08, 2012 @ 01:15:28
yeh u are saying right
Jun 08, 2012 @ 03:17:22
Even though libraries are cutting back due to budget problems, many of them are still keeping the summer programs for kids. These programs are often run by volunteers who are willing to give of their time. Check your local library to see when the summer programs begin. Usually they have several activities during the week. You do not have to go to all the activities but going to a few will expose your children to something educational during the summer.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 06:29:16
Great article. About the time to get the kids out, the best would be far from electronic gadgets.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 06:30:41
thx for article.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 10:09:23
Very good article. Thanks for it. It’s really good activity for kids.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 12:05:19
let them play while learning, give them activities that are beneficial during their vacation.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 14:51:36
thanks for your comments, keep them coming. Libraries are great resources. Check your local zoo, community centers, parks, etc. You can also find some information about local weekend activities specially designed for kids. Hope everyone can have fun and learn at the same time!
Jun 08, 2012 @ 16:11:41
Great article! I couldnt agree with you all more. We need to get todays children out and about and away from the TV/Game systems. Life is too short and the world is a vast place with many things too do. Well written.
Jun 08, 2012 @ 21:55:27
I plan to keep my child learning and having fun at the same time. I have picked up some Business Games From some best seller authors and I am taking them to a individualized education program.
Jun 11, 2012 @ 11:41:16
Thanks for your right words.. It will help a lot of parents do the right thing.
Jun 16, 2012 @ 01:36:19
Reading (and sunshine) is good for the soul. I would always encourage the youth to get outside, curl up with a book, and enjoy nature. Nowadays, with technology and our ever-disconnected society, it is ever important to teach our kids about the various activities that will keep their brains active.
Jun 18, 2012 @ 15:24:57
Thank you for your comments. Yes, with our ever-connected society we have to make a deliberate effort to engage our children with the great outdoors. Let’s make sure that we get them outside this summer!
Lina
Jun 21, 2012 @ 15:14:01
These activities may be more interactive and less geared towards the outdoors, but they are very educational. Check out National Geographic’s Education site: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/collections/summer-learning/?ar_a=3
Aug 18, 2012 @ 15:27:34
I will be helping her get Carter and Grayson to and from school during her new teacher orientation and work days. It is a good feeling to have passed the torch, so to speak. Amy will be teaching pre-K special education in a self-contained classroom.
Aug 26, 2012 @ 21:51:21
walking actually boosts up the stamina and we do not need to bear the heavy expenses like one we do for a gym.
Aug 28, 2012 @ 09:42:17
These activities may be more interactive and less geared towards the outdoors, but they are very educational. Check out National Geographic’s Education
Sep 03, 2012 @ 11:55:16
Thank you
Nov 02, 2012 @ 10:57:19
Our kids were not so lucky when it comes to weather this summer, there was just a very few really sunny days. Nonethless, we have organised games and local trips for a group of children, simply Greek food was provided by our restaurant. Everybody seemed to be happy with what we have done – without much effort.
The bottom line is it’s really easy to get your kids busy during summer – just sit down with other parents and see what you already got on your hands, then get all together and spend a little time with them. It will make a MASSIVE difference.
Jan 30, 2013 @ 22:54:54
thank you for this interesting good article!
Mar 30, 2013 @ 14:56:37
Ah, to be a kid again. ..lol.
Apr 01, 2013 @ 00:45:28
Thank you for good information
Oct 14, 2013 @ 04:45:56
really this article is great and ery useful for exactly students and people.time is money
thanks for sharing nice article.
Jan 04, 2014 @ 12:41:01
Nice article with a lot of good information.