For kids, summer is time for other types of learning
Its important for children to socialize during their summer holidays, a family medicine and psychiatry expert says. Kids deserve a break during the summer. Theyve worked hard during the school year and this is their time to relax, but they should continue interacting with their friends and meeting new people, said Dr. Jin Han. Hes an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicines department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, in Houston.
Spending time with friends and meeting new people by doing fun and educational activities such as music, arts and sports programs in the summer helps with their development, he noted.
If children spend a lot of time alone on their electronic devices, then their spectrum of interaction can be very limited, Han said. In todays world, its very easy for kids to stay indoors all day and interact with others virtually, but that is not an ideal way to connect with others. Face-to-face interactions are essential.
Parents should set limits on how much their children use electronic devices, he added in a Baylor news release.
Its also important for children to spend quality time with their parents and siblings.
Its not so much the length of time, but quality of time, that families spend together that is really valuable, Han said. This type of interaction is not something that you can get from anywhere else. It doesnt matter how old the child is, family bonding experiences can happen at any time.
Having children spend time with friends and family doesnt have to put a dent in your wallet, either. For example, going to the neighborhood swimming pool or having a picnic are great ways to enjoy quality time together, Han said.
As students set out on summer adventures, send their parents a much-needed life preserver -- a list of 25 activities to share and enjoy with their children. These fun activities cover all subjects and grades; there truly is something for everyone. And, if you have your own summer adventurers at home, this list can rescue your kids from the boredom and blahs of rainy summer days. This year, do more than amuse and entertain your kids and hope for the best for your students, keep their minds working all summer long!
Its summer -- that time of year when teachers bid farewell to students, hoping their gleefully escaping charges dont forget everything theyve learned during the school year. Its also the time of year when nervous parents take on the challenge of keeping their children physically busy and mentally active during long summer days. To help those efforts, Education World offers 25 ideas that not only reinforce skills taught during the year, but also to entertain students through the summer months. Share these resources with parents to help them and their children make the most of the lazy, hazy days to come!
Many of these activities link to online resources. In most cases, however, the activities can be completed even by those without Internet access. The activities that do require Internet access can be printed and distributed to students before school ends or accessed and printed by parents at most public libraries.
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