Keep your child’s skills sharp during the holiday break from school

December 22, 2008 7:49 pm

By MORGAN GRIFFITH, Federal Way Sylvan Learning Center

While a break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, if students aren’t using the skills they learned in the classroom, they could find themselves falling behind once the school bell rings again.

The following activities are great ways to help your child continue to learn, in a fun way, when away from the classroom.

• Writing: Encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a grandparent or friend. If you are traveling on a vacation, ask your child to keep a travel journal recording where you stayed and what you did. It not only improves writing skills, but also creates great family memories.

• Mathematics: Children can help in the grocery store by making change or weighing fruits and vegetables to help develop their math skills. Cooking can also familiarize children with weights and measurements. Help them pick a recipe such as a special dessert for the whole family, create an ingredients list, and go shopping together.

• Reading: Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and communication. For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting. Children also learn by example. If parents are setting time aside to read, it reinforces the fun and enjoyment of reading. Local libraries offer infinite resources for children. Librarians can recommend books appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children’s programs and clubs.

• Analysis and logic: Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but help children develop and reinforce skills. A simple card game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking.

• Academic camps: There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out of session. Take advantage of some of the local community events that are offered in our area to help keep learning alive during the winter break.

Morgan Griffith is the center director at the Federal Way Sylvan Learning Center, 32717 1st Ave. S. Contact: (253) 838-0507.