Keeping Skills Sharp during the Summer

I know that it is important for my children to keep up their school skills during the summer. What suggestions do you have short of sending them to summer school? -- Looking for Activities
Answer: You definitely are on the right track. Your children need to keep up their school skills during the summer so that they don't return to school lagging behind their classmates.
Summer school might be necessary for those students who really need some intensive intervention before the start of the new school year. However, most children can keep on learning through attending library programs, local university programs, summer camps, visiting interesting local spots or just going on family vacations. Think of what your children can learn by visiting the state capitol, the homes of famous people, farms, museums and zoos.
Most parents realize that the secret to continued academic success for their children is to keep them reading during the summer. If you are running short of ideas, go online to www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer. Here you'll find activities to help children from ages 4 to 18 explore reading and writing all summer long.
And don't forget to bolster your children's math skills. Most lose more ground in math than reading. Play games with them that require math. If your children like to use the computer, have them search online for "summer math activities." They'll find loads of fun activities and worksheets to keep their math skills sharp.
Summer is a wonderful time to help your children expand their horizons. They can try new sports. They can take art or music lessons. What young child would not enjoy throwing clay on a pottery wheel and then painting the unique creation?
Don't forget that summer is time for fun; start researching now for the opportunities in your community.