Here are some tips for summer vacation:

• Look for educational moments.  Many children will resist if you tell them you are planning an educational outing.  Instead, look for educational moments during the routing outings.  On field trips to the park, talk about nature.  Going to the grocery store?  Focus on math or nutrition.

• Grab those board games.  Some days it’s just too hot for active play outside.  Make sure you have board games and puzzles on hand.  These activities teach math, motor and social skills.  Limit the amount of time spent playing video or computer games.

• Sneak in some science.  All you really need to get your children interested in science is to let them experience the world around them.  Look in the paper for when meteor showers occur (usually in August).  Point out flowers, trees, butterflies, bugs, leaves and clouds.  Consider checking out a book of kitchen science experiments from the library.

• Read.  Reading should be a part of every child’s daily routine.  Set aside time both for family members to read alone and for the kids to read to you.  Joining a library summer program or book club keeps children motivated and working toward a goal.

•    Volunteer.  Helping others is a great learning opportunity.

• Don’t overdo it.  Children need time to relax.  Try to leave plenty of free time so your children can jump through the sprinkler, watch the clouds drift by or play with their friends.

SOURCE: Adapted from NAESP Report to Parents brochure.