Below are a few ideas that you can use as you plan your summer days with your child at home. These are activities that can be completed before any screen time (phones, video games, computer use or TV) to help balance what their brains are focused on.

 

1) Making their bed and helping with family chores. Here is a link for age-appropriate responsibilities:

 

2) Independent reading for 20 minutes. Hopefully your child finds a book or series they are excited about, and you will find them reading more! Here are some great links for reading and for our local library which has many free programs during the summer!

 

3) Play OUTDOORS! What a great time to be a kid in nature! A couple of hours of electronics free outdoor play can do wonders for the mind, heart and soul. Here is a checklist of ideas and links for our local park programs:

 

4) CREATE! Color, craft or make something. Here are some ideas for home and at local businesses. Many are free! You can find inexpensive supplies at your local dollar stores.

 

5) SCIENCE FUN! Water play...goop...and make things go...need I say more?

 

6) Play a board game with your family! Not only can it be fun but supports many math skills and strategies. Here are some classics!

 

7) Read aloud to your child 20-30 minutes a day. Studies show that this one activity alone can support your child's literacy skills in multiple ways and also helps their test scores! And... guess what? Audiobooks AND graphic novels count!  Here are some favorite lists:

 

I hope you have a WONDERFUL time and enjoy all things SUMMER!