Here we are, mid-July, and summer break is in full swing.
While we all want our kids to enjoy their time off from school, we want to make sure we’re keeping their minds sharp for the coming year ahead.
That means preventing the dreaded ‘summer slide’.
The term ‘summer slide’ was coined to describe the weakening in academic performance that is sometimes associated with the two-ish months kids take off from school during the summer.
We’ve written on this topic before, but it’s super important so we wanted to cover it again with a fresh spin.
Today, we’re talking about taking a multi-sensory approach to learning. By engaging all five senses, kids gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
How can you incorporate the five senses in your summer learning?
Below, we’re sharing 7 ways to engage the senses — sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste — to provide a richer educational experience this summer.
7 Ways to Keep Kids Learning All Summer Long by Engaging the Five Senses
1. Plant a garden.
Let your kids get their hands dirty and taste the fruit of their labor by planting a vegetable garden this summer. Working in the garden offers valuable lessons on science, nutrition, and the importance of knowing where our food comes from. Bonus: fresh air and sunshine!
2. Take up a new hobby.
Whether it's hiking, painting rocks, knitting, baking, or playing an instrument….taking up a new hobby is a brilliant way to engage the brain and encourage summer learning. Want to connect with your kids on a deeper level? Try to find a hobby you can enjoy together as a family.
3. Find a new docuseries to stream.
When the temperatures soar and it's too hot to go outside, pop some popcorn and snuggle up on the couch with a new docuseries on any topic. What is a docuseries? It’s like a documentary but with multiple parts, formatted like a series. In essence, you get more bang for your screen time “buck”.
4. Learn to cook.
Teaching your kids to cook provides a way to engage the mind and a necessary skill they’ll use the rest of their lives — plus, it’s fun! Wanna know the best part? Now you’ve got a handy helper in the kitchen during the nightly dinner time rush.
5. Hit the road.
Getting outside your hometown offers unique learning opportunities no matter where you go. Even better? Let your kids help with budgeting and planning for your trip and the lessons multiply tenfold.
6. Give back to your local community.
Volunteering is an excellent way for kids to get outside themselves and see things from a new perspective. They’ll learn generosity, compassion, and the value of hard work — and that’s only scratching the surface.
7. Embrace the world of audio entertainment.
Audio entertainment (i.e. Pinna) provides a screen-free way for kids to have fun and engage their minds no matter where you are — at home or on the go. You can find podcasts and audiobooks on almost any topic under the hot summer sun!
The Wrap-Up
Pinna is an excellent tool for screen-free learning and fun all year round. Keep your kids engaged and entertained with Pinna’s comprehensive and growing library.
We’re all ears!
What are your best tips for preventing the dreaded ‘summer slide’? We’d love to hear from you! Find us on all our social platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – or email us at contact@pinna.fm.
