As the summer season approaches, students are eagerly looking forward to a well-deserved break from the academic year full of long pool days, outdoor barbeques, and other fun summer activities. However, it’s essential to recognize that the summer months present a golden opportunity for continued growth and development to maintain an established learning mindset. Engaging in educational activities and maintaining learning habits that expand knowledge and skills essential for success when returning to school can be an enjoyable addition to your summer activities!
Let’s take a look at several effective ways to maintain a learning mindset between the fun and relaxation of summer break.
- Set Goals and Create A Schedule
Do you have any specific learning goals? Are there skills or learning activities you need to prepare for in your upcoming classes? What subjects or abilities would you like to improve upon? Write these goals down and create a schedule that allows you to dedicate time to reach these goals. By establishing an educational activity routine throughout the summer, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your goals and be ready for the next school year!
- Engage in Summer Reading
Reading is a fantastic way to expand upon your knowledge and improve your language, comprehension, and attention skills. PALCS provides summer reading lists for our elementary, middle, and high school students every year. We also have division specific summer camps for STEAM, math, grade level bootcamps, and the arts!
- Explore Online Learning Platforms
Something that sparked your interest or imagination in school? Take advantage of the vast array of online learning platforms that are available. Anything from math, science, coding, creative writing, test prep, and more! These platforms allow you to learn at your own pace and explore topics that interest you beyond what is covered in your school’s curriculum. There are many free resources to explore like Calculation Nation, Fun Brain Math Arcade, Education.com, and Edutopia.com to name a few.
- Pursue Creative Projects
This is a perfect time to learn more about what you are passionate about. Use the summer break to explore your creative side! Engage in activities like writing stories, painting, photography, learning a new language, or playing a musical instrument. These projects can provide an opportunity for self-expression, and promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and fine motor skills! There are also local art classes, workshops, or summer camps that provide these opportunities as well!
- Go Outside
Summer is a great time to get some fresh air, and learn about the outdoors. It is also great for your mental health! Take your summer read outside in a comfortable and shaded area and relax! This is also a great opportunity to visit local parks, keep a nature journal, do nature crafts, learn about local plants and animals, and more!
Summer break doesn’t have to be a hiatus from learning. Rather, this is a great time to learn more about what sparks a student’s interest and imagination outside of a classroom. Summer learning is a powerful tool that can transform the way students approach education. By maintaining a learning habit during the summer break, students can cultivate their intellectual curiosity, expand their horizons, excel academically, and enhance their knowledge and skills.
It’s important to set goals, create a schedule, and explore a range of educational activities, from reading and online courses to creative projects and outdoor activities. This will allow students to return to school in the fall feeling refreshed and intellectually stimulated, ready to take on new challenges. Remember to allow students to make the most of their summer break while embarking on a rewarding learning journey and enjoy their break time as well!