🌴7 Ways to Prevent the 'Summer Slide' 🌴

As a teacher, I know it's important to sneak in some learning over the summer months to help your kids avoid the dreaded "summer slide" -- that phenomenon in which your kids lose some of their hard-earned knowledge during their long vacations from school. Here are seven ideas on how to incorporate learning into fun activities that your family can do together this summer to avoid the summer slide:

1. Bake together Having your child read a recipe and measure out ingredients is a great way to work those math and science skills. Find a new recipe to try together. Bake an old family favorite. Let your child do most of the work and enjoy the finished product together! 🌼 Find Fun Recipes on Macaroni Kid Henderson-Boulder City. Click here for a list of our recipes. 🌼
	2. Build something Break out the hammer and nails. Have them measure with a tape measure and learn the adage “Measure twice, cut once!” Have them read the directions to you while you're helping them. You could end up with a beautiful new birdhouse ... or, if you're feeling really ambitious, even a tree house! Click HERE to see how to build your own DIY Tent.
3. Visit a planetarium, zoo, or science museum  Rainy day? Too hot? Visit a planetarium, zoo, or science museum that offers hands-on experiences and interactive exhibits. Talk to your child as you explore. Ask them questions to make them really think and to engage them. 🌼 Check out our Events Calendar and our Business Directory for activities at local attractions like these! 🌼
4. Start a neighborhood book club Students who read 20 minutes a day scored above the 90th percentile in reading standardized testing, on average. Other studies show that reading six books during the summer can keep your child’s reading from regressing. No neighborhood kids to read with? Visit your local library to ask them about their summer reading programs. 🌼 Local libraries offer a variety of opportunities for members of the community to join in on a book club and even set a new one up! 🌼
5. Write to a pen pal Do you have a cousin in another state? Maybe an old friend with kids who moved away? Spend some time writing letters back and forth this summer. If the good old pen and paper way doesn’t seem like your thing, try emailing. Just make sure you are using correct grammar!
6. Go for a hike Give your child a map and have them find the trail. Let them lead the way without GPS. Have them create their own map of a familiar trail or park in your area. 🌼 There are plenty of places here in Henderson and Boulder City to go hiking! 🌼
7. Take part in community events Check the Macaroni Kid Henderson-Boulder City events calendar regularly for local events designed to stimulate, educate, and exhaust your children. We're here to help you find your family fun!

There are so many teachable moments for parents and their children over the summer. Reading, cooking, building, and even just playing together can be great bonding experiences that help avoid summer brain drain. Spend time with your child talking, asking questions, being creative, trying new things, and enjoying the beautiful weather outside. Keep exercising your brains together and your child's teacher will certainly be impressed this fall.