This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Melissa & Doug, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
"We can all agree that summer should be about creating memories and enjoying the season. Many of us want to give our kids the summer experience they have been craving all school year. However, nearly three months is a long time for their growing minds to go without a classroom, and the lack of structure can regress their learning. Even though kids are excited to be out of school and school work is the last thing on their minds, there are many fun ways to incorporate learning throughout their summer break.
Firstly, we can let go of the idea that learning has to be done while sitting at a table for hours on end. Kids can participate in various activities and games and not even realize they’re simultaneously growing their minds. Let’s reframe the idea that learning is boring and is instead a source of enjoyment through unique ways of discovery. There are opportunities for advancing a child’s knowledge even in the most unlikely places. Here are 5 fun tips to keep your LO learning this summer.
Source: Melissa & Doug
1. Opt for toys that are fun and educational
Learning toys are the perfect way for your child to grasp new skills through play. These types of activities can be simple and open-ended like block stacking, alphabet & counting games, and motor skill practice. However, the key to making littles more interested is using toys that present these concepts in new and exciting ways. Melissa & Doug is the best at creating instructive toys that kids actually reach for.
Melissa & Doug learning toys are creatively constructed and expertly captivate a LO’s attention. They have hundreds to choose from so it’s easy to find one that will pique your child’s specific interests. For instance, if you have a kiddo that loves fixing things, then this Take-Along Tool Kit Wooden Toy would get them super excited while teaching them counting, sorting, color recognition, and problem-solving skills. Children are more likely to retain information when they are curious about the activity at hand, and Melissa & Doug always takes that into consideration when designing their high-quality toys. Here are a few our team’s kids have been loving this summer for promoting learning while keeping them engaged.
Melissa & Doug
Inspire your child's creativity with this double-sided tabletop easel. There are endless possibilities with a dry-erase marker and felt eraser, five colored chalk sticks, a 50-foot-long paper roll, 36 letter and number magnets, and an art supply tray.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Littles ages 4+ can practice spelling three and four letter words that match illustrations with more than 50 wooden letters and eight two-sided cut out boards. All this spelling and fine motor fun fits into one compact wooden storage case.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Not only can children lay the groundwork for their time-telling skills, but they can also learn color and shape recognition with this shape sorting clock.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
Counting has never been so fun as it is with this magnetic fishing rod set. The 10 magnetic fish are numbered and patterned to enrich matching, sorting, and counting activities, and two wooden rods make collecting them a blast!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Melissa & Doug
This set is made from high-quality wood painted in bright, bold colors, and includes 24 pieces sized just right for little hands. Featuring wooden nails, screws, and boards with holes, child-size play hammer, wrench, and screwdriver, this set is an excellent way to promote hand-eye coordination, counting, sorting, color recognition, and problem-solving skills.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
2. Maintain a routine—but make it interesting
Children thrive when they have structure in their everyday lives. It’s recommended for kids to have a routine in order to feel safe and properly engage in learning. There is always room for spontaneity especially during the summer when their schedules are freed up, but it’s important for them to at least experience some predictability everyday.
For instance, they can eat their meals at the same time everyday but a few days out of the week you can turn lunch time into a picnic so it doesn’t become monotonous. You can make them an active participant in their daily routine by using a kid-friendly calendar. This allows them to feel more control over their day and gets them excited about the activities ahead.
3. Explore your city
Take advantage of the sights that surround wherever you live. Local museums, zoos, art galleries, and libraries often have special events during the summer for children. Play museums are also rising in popularity, which allow your little one to get out of the house and interact with other children. Each place you visit is an opportunity to create a lifelong memory with your child while they learn about the world around them. These types of social experiences are an equally important part of a child’s education.
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell
4. Go on a nature walk
Let nature be your kid’s teacher this summer. Taking your little one to a walking trail, park, or on a hike is the perfect way for them to learn about science and animal life. You could embark on a scavenger hunt or collect flowers, leaves, and twigs to take home for an art project. You could also play a nature podcast on your walk so they can learn while getting some sun and exercise.
5. Conduct an experiment or art project
Turn a room in your house into a science lab or art workshop and watch your kiddo learn through various projects. Store a few science and craft kits at home and pull them out during those extra hot days. You could follow along with science or art educators on YouTube so both you and your LO can learn something new.
Melissa & Doug
Kids can use their creativity with this stencil art kit, which promotes their color matching skills, fine motor skills, and imagination.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Melissa & Doug, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.