It may already be August, but that doesn’t mean that summer is over (thankfully). There is still so much you can do. Yes yes I know that the last thought on your mind (or your kids’ minds) is school and learning. But, I’m here to say that there are a lot of really fun ways to get out and learn this summer. Besides, August is a great time to start bringing back learning and thinking about school into your routine. It’s tricky, getting back into the routine of school. So, I hope that this list of fun and educational ideas can help you to slowly make that transition – AND to learn something new!
1. Watch a Foreign Film
Thinking about traveling? Want to learn about your culture or religious heritage? Learning a new language? All of these are reasons to watch a foreign film. You could even be more daring and watch it with the English subtitles turned off. Or make it into a funny evening by re-enacting Mystery Science Theatre; and either guess what it is that the characters are talking about or make up explanations. See if you can recognize words, phrases, people or places of the film.
2. Read Out Loud
Who says summer reading happens just with a big chapter book? Being on top of your reading skills is huge for any teacher; if we can get you to do nothing else but read 30 minutes a day during the summertime – we are ecstatic. But no one said that you are limited in the types of things you read or how you read. I like to tell students read magazines, newspapers, comic books – just read it out loud. You can read to someone or have someone read to you. Just do it out loud. Reading out loud makes you slow down and really focus on the words and their meaning. Reading comprehension is important at all learning levels; but when we read silently we tend to skim the words and don’t retain as much. So by reading aloud, you are really doing more than just reading. I tell my older niece and nephew to read to the younger ones; or read to me. They love it. If you want to take the reading further – check out my reading log tool.
3. Get Out(side)
Being in the fresh air is good for any time of year, or reason. Yet, during the summer, everything is growing and in bloom. Just taking a hike or checking out a nature conservancy is a great way to explore the outdoors – and therein science. By being outside, you can learn and talk about life cycles, photosynthesis, animals, bugs, farming, agriculture. You can teach younger children about life cycles of caterpillars to butterflies, from eggs to chicks to fledglings and hawks. At home gardens are full of teachable moments, as well as fun dirty experiments. Taking a stroll through your neighborhood could be a way to categorize leafs (leap snap app) and flowers. Personally, I love spending as much time as I can outside – so perhaps these ideas come more organically (haha, get it – organic) to me; but they are easy to incorporate into an afternoon for you as well.
4. Visit a Museum
Shhh! We are heading into a museum. Sure most museums aren’t the first place you want to head for ‘fun’ activities; however, don’t be so quick to skip this part. First of all, museums are going to have great air-conditioning going on – and in this hot muggy August heat, well, that’s pretty awesome. Exhibits at museums are going to be filled with learning opportunities; plus the exhibits are going to be so different. Right now I know of a museum doing a car exhibit – big huge classic cars, modern ones, and car parts you can touch. Science and children’s museums offer more interactive exhibits – there’s a local one in Portland that’s all about creating your own video game. Now that’s fun.
5. Be a Tourist
Who wouldn’t love a vacation by the warm ocean? But let’s be realistic – by August, we’re so busy at home that we don’t have the time to pack up and go. If you’re a teacher – you definitely don’t have that kind of time. So instead, let’s explore your hometown, neighborhood, and community. We hear about ‘staycations’ as a way to save money (who doesn’t like to save up their pennies) – but I think that these could also be a great learning opportunity. Maps, directions, longitude and latitude, distance and ways of measuring it, transportation modes, politicians, government, etc. You could create a town map, use checklists and categorize places you’ve gone to, write ‘reviews’ for the restaurants you’ve eaten at. If you want to throw some extra pizzazz on it – make a brochure to send to faraway family and friends to encourage them to visit.
6. Check out Your Currency
Every country’s money is essential to daily life. It’s also unique. Take the time to really examine, study, and discover what/why your currency is the way it is. Examine the peole and places on it, learn why it is the color it is, why are their coins and bills. How is the money made? What is the money called? Extra points if you have foreign currency to examine as well.
A lot of times in August we are rushing to do so much. We feel like it’s the end of summer, so we have to cram it all in there. I know I feel like that, especially as a teacher. If you have kids at home – no matter their age – you also have school in September to contend with. SO, give yourself a little reprieve and combine the learning and fun into one.
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