Hurrah! Summer is here! But what to do with all the free time? While students, teachers and parents all deserve a break from the demands of the school year, weeks of unstructured time in the summer can sometimes lead to loss of educational ground in reading and math over the break.
Here are some ideas to help your child keep their skills up while also having fun.
62 Days of Summer
The library is here to help you find enjoyable ways to keep your children engaged and learning during the summer months. Our 62 Days of Summer program offers lots of opportunities to find things that interest you and your kids from June 17 to August 17. Check out the many great programs offered, and stop by the library anytime for scavenger hunts, activity sheets, games and other surprises.
Our librarians are always happy to share reading suggestions, talk about books and help you find whatever you are looking for. You can also browse our website for Grade Level Reading Recommendations or topical reading lists on our Kids page or Teens page.
Too Much Screen Time?
Many caregivers are concerned about how much time their children spend on screens and devices. If you want to steer your child towards something more educational, CPL subscribes to a host of great learning databases and educational programs that you can access free of charge on the Research & Learn page of our website.
For preschool and elementary aged children, Tumblebooks offers hundreds of animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, graphic novels, nonfiction books and videos, as well as books in Spanish and French.
Bookflix also offers an interactive book platform and includes storybooks paired with nonfiction titles, allowing children to explore various interests while simultaneously building their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
For academic subjects, students of all ages can access HelpNow by Brainfuse, a web-based program that provides personalized tutoring in a wide range of subjects, including math, science, English, social studies and more. Users who log in with their Canton Public Library card can connect with qualified tutors in real-time for one-on-one assistance.
Another good resource is Khan Academy, an online educational platform that offers free video tutorials and interactive exercises across a wide range of subjects, including math, science, economics, humanities and more.
Older students can learn a new language or keep up skills in a foreign language they are studying through Mango Languages or Pronunciator. Or, they can learn about and vicariously visit over 175 countries around the world via the Global Road Warrior database.
Get Out and About
Experiential learning can keep things fresh and interesting for your kids this summer. The Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) program helps you save money while getting out to discover the cultural and natural treasures of our state, both near and far. Use your library card to obtain discounts at museums, arts venues, Metroparks, historic sites, state parks and more. Visit the MAP website to peruse the many options and learn more about this great program.
Volunteering as a family could be another great way to learn and help others in your community. Canton Leisure Services maintains a list of volunteer opportunities on the Canton Township website. Click on “Other Community Service Opportunities” to explore some options.
Helpful Links
- Education World has a great list of 25 Activities to Keep Kids' Brains Active in Summer.
- Keep math skills sharp with 16 Math Games You Can Play with Cards or Dice from the Homeschool Compass.
- Try these Tips for Preventing “Summer Slide” from Mayo Clinic Health System.
- Third Space Learning offers more ideas on How to Prevent the Summer Slide.
- Check out 10 of the Best Hands-on Nature Activities for Kids from Family Education.
- Summer Camps
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