Some parents fear that when summer arrives their child's brain is going to turn to mush. All that pool water is going to make anything he or she happened to learn during the school year liquefy. But, they can still have a fun and exciting summer (including swimming) and keep education top of mind.

Children of all ages and grade levels need to stay academically challenged during the summer break. Taking steps to retain information learned during the school year can help your child excel. Spending small portions of time each day to help your child retain their skills can help give them confidence. Relaxing over the summer months is important. However, a summer spent without reading, writing, or solving problems will show up in progress reports when school starts.

Placing your child in full time summer school or other types of academic programs can be costly. You can inexpensively create your own summer school curriculum for your children by following the tips below:

• Working parents can use the time they are free to assign short educational tasks: One hour can be spent each day on sharpening skills. While preparing dinner you can quiz them on learned knowledge. For example, multiplication tables or spelling words.
• Use summer reading program book lists, and check off each completed book. Find new ways each week for your child to apply something learned in a text book to real life. For example, take them to explore the outdoors. Use this trip as a review of what was learned in science.
• Keep math in mind. Since kids lose more math skills than anything else over the summer, try to do some special planning to find math-related activities. For example, if you can't decide whether to sign your child up for a summer theatre camp or a math camp at the local community center, go with the math. Also, spend a few extra minutes on shopping trips and let younger children pay for purchases in cash. Give your teenager the task of grocery shopping for the family for the week with cash.

Challenging your child over the summer break does not require you to spend hours each day in formal instruction. Instead, find the proper instructional books, printable, or online resources to ensure your child stays on track for the up coming school year. Visit your local library for the summer reading list by grade level. Embrace and enjoy every opportunity to show your child how to apply the lessons he or she is learning to everyday life!

Sources: (Education.com and School Times)