Last week, our COO Kristopher Kasper sat down with CBS New York to chat about all things enrichment.
In his segment, he touched on why it’s vital to keep kids learning during the summer and offered practical tips to keep young innovators engaged. We’ve conducted a special followup Q&A with Kristopher to learn more about the most effective ways to curb “summer slide” and how to make the most out of kids’ favorite time of year.
Kristopher, why is it so important to keep kids learning over the summer?
Learning over the break is crucial when it comes to preventing “summer slide,” the phenomenon where kids rapidly lose the academic gains they made during the school year. Continuous learning helps maintain and even advance their skills so they can head back to school feeling confident and prepared.
Just as importantly, summer is an incredible opportunity for kids to explore new interests, develop new skills, and enjoy a more relaxed and fun approach to education. I believe learning should be fun year-round, but let’s be honest—some parts are more fun than others. When you take away the pressure of tests and grades, it eases a lot of the anxiety kids may experience in the classroom.
What are some tips for parents to help keep kids engaged?
Keeping kids engaged over the summer can be challenging, but here are some tips that can help:
- Incorporate learning into daily activities: Use everyday experiences like cooking, shopping, or nature walks to teach concepts like math, science, and language.
- Set a routine: Establish a daily schedule that balances educational activities with free time and play.
- Leverage technology: Use educational apps, websites, and games to make learning interactive and fun.
- Encourage reading: Create a summer reading list and set aside time each day to dive into a book.
- Sign up for local programs: Enroll in local library programs, camps, or community activities that offer educational experiences.
As a parent yourself, what do you love most about Brains & Motions’ summer camps?
As a father, I love knowing there is a program like BAM! that promotes holistic growth in kids and nurtures their creativity and self-expression. Our summer camps are designed to keep young minds and bodies active through a blend of exciting STEAM courses and physical activities, and the combination has proven to be incredibly impactful. We’ve seen firsthand how striking this balance promotes tremendous social and emotional benefits that are just as important as the academic and physical gains.
What tips do you have for parents whose kids may be resistant to learning over summer break?
It's normal for kids to be resistant to structured learning during their break, but there are strategies to make it more appealing:
- Make it fun: Try turning learning into a game or challenge using creative methods like board games, scavenger hunts, or interactive apps.
- Give them choices: Allow kids to have a say in what they learn and how they learn it. This could mean choosing their own reading materials or deciding on which science experiments they want to try.
- Connect with their interests: Tying learning into kids’ existing hobbies or passions can really help new concepts stick. For example, young athletes might better enjoy math practice centered around sports statistics, while Minecraft players could use their favorite game to discover coding.
- Reward their progress: Offer incentives or rewards for completing learning activities, like extra playtime or a special treat.
- Lead by example: Show enthusiasm for learning by engaging in educational activities yourself. This sets a positive example and demonstrates that learning is a lifelong journey.
I hope my fellow parents will find these insights helpful as they plan out the remaining weeks of summer. Keeping learning fun and engaging can make a world of difference in maintaining kids’ academic progress and sparking new interests!
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With just a few weeks left of break before the kids head back to school, this is your moment to maximize summer with our expert blend of hands-on learning, collaboration, and fun. Find a camp near you!