Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Family Learning All Summer Long - MetroFamily Magazine
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Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Family Learning All Summer Long

by Brittany Carter-Thomas

Reading Time: 3 minutes 

Summer in OKC offers a plethora of opportunities to keep young minds sharp, particularly in the areas of reading and math. With a blend of local attractions and at-home activities, families can ensure that children continue to develop essential skills while enjoying their break. Here are the top five ways to keep your family engaged in reading and math learning all summer long!

1. Boost Reading Skills at the Metropolitan Library System

The Metropolitan Library System in OKC is an invaluable resource for nurturing a love of reading. With branches throughout the city, the library offers comprehensive summer reading programs designed to challenge and engage young readers. These programs often include reading logs, book clubs, and rewards for reaching reading milestones. Storytimes and author readings provide interactive experiences that make literature come alive. For older children and teens, the library offers writing workshops and book discussion groups, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature.

2. Hands-On Math at the Science Museum Oklahoma 

The Science Museum Oklahoma is an excellent venue for engaging children with math in a fun and interactive way. The museum’s exhibits often incorporate mathematical concepts, allowing kids to explore geometry, measurement, and problem-solving through hands-on activities. Special summer camps and workshops focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, providing a structured yet enjoyable way for children to improve their math skills. Activities like building structures, programming robots, and exploring space science all include elements of math, ensuring that learning is both comprehensive and enjoyable.

3. Math and Reading Adventures at Home

Creating a math and reading-rich environment at home is a fantastic way to keep children learning all summer. For math, consider incorporating daily activities such as cooking, where measuring ingredients can become a fun math lesson, or playing board games that involve counting and strategy. Online resources like Khan Academy offer free, interactive math exercises tailored to different grade levels, allowing children to practice and advance their skills at their own pace.

For reading, establish a family book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it together. This can be a great way to improve comprehension and critical thinking skills. Additionally, websites like Scholastic and local libraries provide summer reading lists and challenges to motivate young readers. Pairing reading with creative projects, such as drawing scenes from a book or writing an alternate ending, can further enhance understanding and enjoyment.

4. Engage with Local Educational Programs

Many local organizations in Oklahoma City offer summer programs that combine reading and math with engaging activities. For instance, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s educational camps often incorporate both subjects. Math skills are honed through activities like animal counting and habitat mapping, while reading is encouraged through nature-themed story sessions and educational materials. The Oklahoma History Center also provides summer workshops that include reading historical documents and learning about timelines, which integrates both reading and mathematical skills.

5. Educational Trips to Local Farms and Markets 

Visiting local farms and farmers’ markets can be an unexpected yet effective way to incorporate reading and math into daily activities. Many farms offer tours that involve reading informational signs and materials about farming processes and animals. Counting animals, weighing produce, and calculating costs at markets can turn a simple visit into an educational experience. Engaging children in creating a budget for market purchases or planning a garden at home based on what they learn can further enhance their math skills.

 

Bonus Tips for Reading and Math Enrichment

  • Interactive Educational Apps: Utilize educational apps like Prodigy for math and Epic! for reading to make learning engaging and accessible anywhere.
  • Create a Summer Learning Schedule: Dedicate specific times each day to reading and math activities to establish a routine that balances learning with summer fun.
  • Join Online Learning Communities: Websites like Goodreads for book recommendations and Khan Academy for math exercises can connect children with peers who share their learning interests, providing motivation and a sense of community.

 

By focusing on these activities, families in Oklahoma City can ensure that children continue to develop their reading and math skills throughout the summer. With a combination of local resources and at-home initiatives, learning can be both fun and effective, preventing the summer slide and setting the stage for a successful school year ahead.

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