38 THE QUEENS COURIER • CAMPS • MAY 31, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
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Summer learning activities for kids
Summer may be a break from formal
education, but keeping kids excited about
learning can be an easy way to keep them
active and engaged instead of zoned out
on screen time.
The National Summer Learning
Association estimates that kids can lose
up to two months of learning during the
summer but involving kids in educational
summer activities can prevent them from
forgetting skills they learned during the
school year.
Encourage your kids to keep learning
outside of school with these fun and educational
summer activities.
Visit a Science Museum
Spend a rainy day enjoying a science
museum, which off ers hands-on experiences
to make learning fun. Kids can
build on what they’ve already learned and
apply new discoveries when they return
to school in the fall. Many museums off er
special prices for families, which makes
it an opportunity for the whole family
to bond. Once you get home, talk about
favorite exhibits or lessons and ask kids
to express those memories on paper in
the form of a journal entry or colorful
drawing.
Head to the Zoo or Aquarium
At a conservation-oriented destination
like an Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo or
aquarium, kids can learn about the
importance of environmentally friendly
practices, animal care and welfare
and more. Families can also explore
the unique challenges facing endangered
species and discover how members
are Saving Animals From Extinction
(SAFE). Aft er learning about animals
that need help, kids can visit zebrapen.
com/aza for fun games that reinforce
what they learned. Kids can also draw
their favorite animals, real or imaginary,
and take a photo to enter Zebra Pen’s
AZA SAFE contest. Prizes include zoo
or aquarium tickets and items from the
Zensations product line.
Go on a Nature Hike
Hikes provide abundant nature lessons,
giving kids a chance to get some
exercise while exploring and appreciating
their surroundings. Visit a national
or local park to get some fresh air and
learn about preserving nature. Along with
a picnic lunch, bring along information
about local wildlife and plants, and have
kids search for each item on the list as a
scavenger hunt. Back at home, test their
memories by having them create a collage
of all the things they found.
See a Show at a
Children’s Theater
Experiencing live theater is a positive
way to introduce kids to new cultural
experiences. Because they’re typically
short in run time, most shows can hold
the attention of kids of all ages while conveying
important life lessons. Pick a show
with lots of interaction that can allow kids
to stay focused and maybe even participate
in the show. Acting out their favorite
scenes, illustrating favorite characters
or writing a new scene or diff erent ending
are all ways to keep the learning going
aft er the curtains close.
Join a Library Program
Special summer programs at libraries
can give kids a chance to enhance their
reading skills. Many local libraries off er
contests that challenge kids to read a certain
number of books during the summer
and include a series of incentives for
reaching certain milestones. Th e reading
component is oft en supplemented
with craft s and activities to make reading
fun. Extend the challenge even further
by choosing a favorite book and asking
kids to write or draw a sequel that
takes those characters on another exciting
adventure.
Courtesy Family Features