Top 6 Ways to Have an Educational and Entertaining Summer
Although summer is nearing the end and K-12 schools are preparing for the new school year it doesn’t mean that it’s time to freak out about September. Instead make August the time to bring education back into focus with fun and creative outings that are lessons in learning.
1. Go to a museum
a. This could be an art museum, or history or science; even a Children’s museum. Make it a trip to the local museum in your hometown. It’s a chance to go on an expensive trip, learn about a major subject taught in school, find out more about your city. Plus, by going to an exhibit you might learn new ways of appreciating or understanding a subject that was previously confusing to you. It could even allow you to realize what you want to study in college or do as a profession in the future.
2. Go to the Zoo
a. Here is a fun and interactive way to learn about animals. Take the time to learn their official class of naming (the organization of living things can be seen like a pyramid or tree with seven major levels or categories: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.) You could learn about their original geographical origins, the various places each animal has lived, or been bred; what they eat, and where that food comes from – and if humans (or other animals) eat the same food.
3. Take a hike
a. Even better – take a guided hike. Get outside, appreciate the beautiful world that is surrounding you, and breathe in some fresh air. That alone should be enough of a reason to encourage you to take the learning outside, but if you need more motivation – here goes. Just like when you take your trip to the zoo, on your hike you could learn the proper classification of the plants, flowers, berries, animals, insects, and bugs that you see on your hike. You could also learn about which plants and berries are edible.
4. Listen to a outdoor concert
a. Or watch a play, see a ballet or performance art; any of these outings are a chance to bring the performing arts back into your life (something that is near and dear to me personally). Luckily, during the summer there are lots of outdoor performances; which most of the time are free. By spending your even being a patron of the arts you can learn about history, what the particular meaning and purpose is to the show you are watching/listening to; what was going on around the country and world when it was written, and learn more about the person who wrote it. You can also gain a greater appreciation of the hard work and dedication of the people who are singing or performing for you.
5. Show me the money
a. In the past decade, the U.S. Mint has been releasing new coins with scenes of historical significance. Some are of women, while others are key moments in each state’s history. Aside from using money to teach yourself, or your child, a lesson about math – think of the historical aspects as well. The site www.usmint.gov is a great resource. Even better is www.usmint.gov/kids – here you can find lessons that incorporate the history of the new bills and coins.
6. Fine Food
a. There really is an art to fine dining – and it’s pretty much gone. So, this summer when you think it’s too hot to cook and you’re tired of fast food, do this instead. Splurge by going to a nice upscale restaurant. Here’s an opportunity to eat new food, brush up on your table etiquette, learn which fork is for salads and what the purpose of the butter knife is. Proper table etiquette is something that is needed in life, but very rarely taught. Use this as a time to eat a fancy meal, as well as a chance to work on math and understand agriculture.
By the time I actually wrote all of these out I thought of at least six more ideas to spend your summer learning. So who knows, maybe I’ll have another set of adventures ready next week. Happy Learning!