Discover the top interactive educational ideas for 2024 from free options to ones that cost which keep children and teens engaged.
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Introduction:
Your child(ren) have been out of school for a few weeks now, and you are probably starting to spin your wheels on what to do with them for the rest of the summer. Have no fear! Help is here! Not only will these tips be other methods for you and your child to connect, but they will also keep them from losing quite a bit of knowledge that usually happens to children over long breaks from school. According to Texas Children, “…students can lose up to three months of reading skills and one month of math skills if they do not practice those skills over the summer.” Learning, especially learning at home during the summer, does not have to be a daunting task, but it can be exciting and fun for everyone in the family by engaging in these top 5 interactive educational ideas for kids and teens to do this summer.
#1: Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
This is a great idea for children of all ages.
- Younger children could volunteer to read to cats and dogs at animal shelters. This helps them become confident with their reading abilities without feeling as though they are being judged.
- The animals benefit because they are provided with human interaction which could help many of them who suffer from anxiety.
- The children benefit from learning about the different animals’ personalities and why it is important to be kind to all animals.
- Who knows? Maybe you and your family might find your next four-legged family member.
- Older children could volunteer to read, play music, or sing to cats and dogs at animal shelters. This also helps them to boost their confidence levels without feeling as though they are being judged.
- Many teens are reluctant to read aloud, but this lets them practice this much needed skill in a low-risk environment.
- This provides those who are learning how to play an instrument some variety in their setting to practice their skills.
- Many animals are drawn to music and will focus their attention on those who are playing an instrument or singing.
#2: Volunteer at a Church, Elder Home, or other Community Center
This is a great idea for pre-teens and teenagers.
- Pre-teens and teenagers could volunteer to read or participate in crafts at these places. This provides them an opportunity to give back to their community.
- Many times elderly individuals enjoy having young people around them because it brings back nostalgic memories for them.
- Young people can learn about the world and how they fit in it through the eyes of the elderly.
- Elders learn from young people about what is happening in the world and gain a deeper understanding of why people are the way they are in current times.
#3: Spark the IMAGINATION
This is a great idea for children of all ages.
- Younger children could create “pretend” t.v. shows. Take an old Amazon box and cut a square hole in the back. Your child or children can stand behind the box and put on a show for you.
- Another option is to cut a vertical slit on the left and right sides of the box. Your child(ren) could draw pictures on different pieces of paper and tape the papers to string or yarn. Then they could pull the string through and showcase one page at a time as they narrate a story. The possibilities are endless.
- Younger and older children could use their imagination by creating stories, poems, artwork, etc. and entering their creations into contests.
- Some contests offer cash prizes while others expose the winners to people who could help them take their talent further.
#4: Learn Through STEM
This is a great idea for children of all ages.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is all the rave now in education. There are entire schools devoted to STEM. Children of all ages can learn more about topics they are interested in by engaging with the STEM kits.
- They will strengthen their problem-solving skills while at the same time exposing them to other possibilities they may not have ever thought was possible.
- STEM kits of various kinds can be purchased online, at teacher’s stores, and places like Walmart and Target. Click below to find items or services that you could purchase to help your child(ren) delve into fun and engaging STEM learning opportunities.
#5: Find a Hobby
This is a great idea for children of all ages.
- Children of all ages can learn new skills such as painting, drawing, crocheting, pottery, etc. They can even work at learning how to sing or play an instrument. This allows them to delve into activities that they had not considered before or felt they never had time for especially older children. Click below to find items or services that you could purchase to help your child(ren) delve into their new endeavors.
- Crochet Kit for Beginners: Kids
- Crotchet Kit for Beginners: Teens & Adults
- Drawing for Beginners: Kids
- Drawing for Beginners: Teens
Conclusion:
Regardless of which option(s) you choose from above, the key is to keep your child(ren) active with something that is constructive. This is the time of year when children lose some of their knowledge that they learned during the school year. Therefore, parent(s)/guardian(s) keep their child(ren) mentally and physically stimulated by introducing them to these top 5 interactive educational ideas for kids & teens to do this summer.
