As the school year winds down and summer gears up, parents often face the challenge of keeping young minds active without overwhelming the family schedule. Summer should be a time of joy and relaxation, but it’s also a golden opportunity to reinforce skills and spark curiosity.

Learning on the Go
Summer doesn’t need to mean a pause in education. In fact, informal learning moments often leave lasting impressions. Whether you’re heading to the beach, staying local, or juggling camps and childcare, here are three easy strategies to give your child’s brain a boost:

  • Mini Reading Challenges: Create a summer reading bingo card with themes like “Read under a tree,” “Read a book set in another country,” or “Read to a sibling.” Local libraries often offer programs with incentives that make reading fun and goal-oriented.
  • Math in the Wild: Practice estimation at the grocery store, tally wildlife sightings on a hike, or calculate travel time and distance on a road trip. Every day math builds confidence and keeps those number skills sharp.
  • Curiosity Quests: Encourage your child to ask big questions. Why do fireflies glow? How do waves form? Then explore the answers together through short videos, library books, or simple experiments at home.

These bite-sized educational moments are low-stress but high-impact, helping to bridge the gap between school years.

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Khan Academy Kids

For busy parents looking for a trusted, screen-time-worthy option, Khan Academy Kids offers a free, engaging app filled with educational activities for ages 2–8. It includes reading, math, emotional development, and more.

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Unplugged Activities

Summer Reading Bingo

Turn reading into a playful, goal-driven adventure with a Summer Reading Bingo challenge. Create a bingo card filledwith fun, creative prompts that encourage kids to read in new ways and settings. This activity helps prevent the summer reading slide and makes books a central part of family fun.

Here are some ideas to include on your bingo card:

  • Read in a blanket fort
  • Read to a pet or stuffed animal
  • Read a book with a blue cover
  • Read outside under a tree
  • Read a book by a new author
  • Read while eating a popsicle
  • Read a book that makes you laugh
  • Read a non-fiction book
  • Read a bedtime story to someone else
  • Read a book with a map inside

You can set goals like filling a row, column, or the entire board by the end of summer. Add small rewards or celebrations for each milestone hit!