Keeping the Learning Alive

Parents across the country face many of the same challenges.  What to do with our children over the summer vacation is definitely one of those challenges.   

Raise your hand if you have ever asked these questions:
  • Should the kids go to camp?  Full day or half?
  • Will we will go on vacation?
  • Can I find a babysitter?
  • How can I get them to do some work?  What work should they do?
There is no easy answer to any one of these questions or the ones you probably have on the topic of summer break. We do know that keeping the mind stimulated is one of the best things you can do for your child. It doesn't have to look or feel like school to engage the mind. The purpose of this website is to provide practical ideas to parents for keeping learning alive over break. Feel free to share your successes, challenges, and questions. We are eager to hear all about their adventures both imaginary and real!

Have fun with whatever you decide to do this summer!

​The West Chester Area School District

Articles & Websites that Inspire

Reading Rockets - Get Read for Summer! 

Ready, Set, Read! - Summer Fiction Ideas for Kids of All Ages by Holly Korbey

74 Creative Ways to Stop Summer Brain Drain by Mindshift

Kids Off the Couch 

Prevent the Summer Brain Drain

Let's Move Outside - This is the website created to support First Lady Michelle Obama's work to help fight childhood obesity and make better choices. It is no longer updated but you can still access the information.

7 Ways to Stop the Summer Slide 
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Transitioning to Summer by Janelle Cox

    Send Your Questions, Success Stories, and Challenges

Getting Started

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Finding ideas is probably not the problem. Pinterest, blogs, and websites offer a wealth of creative ways to engage your children. It can also be a bit overwhelming to have so many ideas to comb through on these sites, which is why we hope this website proves to be a helpful resource.  The key to success will begin with your plan.  
Elements of a Solid Plan
  • Schedule - Whether you like daily, weekly, or monthly, a schedule will provide the structure you and your children need. You may want to include your children so they have ownership in the entire process. The word schedule may sound rigid but a lot of flexibility and choice can and should be included to keep the focus on engagement. Click here to see the weekly noted I posted on my refrigerator for my babysitter. As you can see, there were weekly targets (i.e., reading, math, etc.), daily requirements, and chores to complete. I ended up creating a separate Chore Chart because it became too much of a debate.  You might want to establish a focus for each day of the week.  Post this on your refrigerator and have your child plan the activity.
  • Space - This is especially helpful if a babysitter is implementing your plan.  By designating a space to post the schedule, enjoy reading and math, or make a craft, you are establishing your commitment to the process and helping your child with the routine and expectations. 
  • Simplicity - If you keep it simple with clearly written directions, there is a better chance of the plan being followed.  Bright and colorful visuals are particularly helpful for the younger students.
  • Track Progress - Whether you use a piece of paper and check-off completed work, have a white board that can be written on by the adult/child, use a series of magnets, or good old-fashioned clothes pins, there should be some way to hold children accountable to your expectations.  It is important to discuss the consequences, if any, for not completing the work for the day or collect work completion information for a reward.

Helpful Resources & Websites

Weekly Theme Sample
File Size: 98 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Monthly Creativity Calendar
File Size: 306 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Chore Chart Points System
File Size: 326 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Blank Weekly Calendar
File Size: 44 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
BookFlix
File Size: 164 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Take Learning on Your Road Trip 

Whether you are going to the beach, the big city, or the mountains, you may want to pack a few resources to keep your child's mind active. In the process, you may just have some fun, too!

Read by the Campfire - Inside or Outside!

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Have your child, children, and their friends write a great campfire story! Gather together one night and have them read it to the group. Set the tone with a real fire, have them draw and color one to hang, or maybe use your phone! Grab a flashlight and you are ready to go. For an extra-special treat, make some s'mores!