Credit: Kindel Media:

We get it. Summer isn’t just a break for students, it’s a reprieve for parents as well– as far as being on top of homework and school projects is concerned. That’s two months without checking homework, rummaging through the folder of notices that they forgot to give you, or running out to buy last-minute supplies for a project they failed to mention. But as much as we want them to enjoy the break, Summer Slide is real. According to Scholastic, kids in grades three to five lose about 20% of their school year gains in reading, and 27% of their gains in math, which is why the first few weeks of school end up being a review of what they learned the year before.

With a month left of summer, here is a handy guide with some resources and information to help tackle summer slide while still enjoying the much deserved break. 

Summer reading

It’s no surprise that reading is one of the best ways to keep those brains active over the summer, so pry that tablet from their hands and replace it with a book. And the best part is, it can be any book–even comic books. The point isn’t just to read, but to encourage a love of reading. 

Libraries

Fortunately, we live in a city with abundant resources at our fingertips. Summer at the Library is an initiative by all three library systems in New York: the New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library. Be sure to bookmark these websites, where you’ll find summer reading lists, event calendars, and more.

Bookstores

In addition to borrowing books from your local library, you can also take advantage of NYC’s unique book stores. From specialty bookshops to used book retailers, visiting them can be part of the adventure. Here’s Timeout’s handy guide of the best bookstores in New York City.

Gift shops

Skip the keychain or refrigerator magnet next time you stop by a gift shop at a museum, and encourage them to buy a book instead. Grab a gardening book from the New York Botanical Garden, a New York-themed book from the Museum of the City of New York’s gift shop, or a book about dinosaurs from the Museum of Natural History.

Programs & activities 

New York City kids also have access to loads of educational programs and activities. Whether it’s a weeklong camp or a fun afternoon activity that anyone can join, learning is happening everywhere:

Printables

There are also plenty of websites with no-cost printables that are easy to have on hand the next time you hear “I’m bored,” or to take on the train or road trips. Education.com has some fun options for preschool through eighth grade.

Even when traveling

The learning doesn’t have to stop when you’re away on vacation. When planning out your itinerary, look for local museums or programs to take in some history and education. Whether the kids are digging for dinosaur bones at the Chicago Children’s Museum, getting hands-on at the Please Touch Museum in Philly, or learning about our country’s history at Children of Gettysburg 1863, there are some great attractions just for kids.

Online programs & resources

Thanks to technology, the world really is at our fingertips. During the pandemic, many cultural institutions increased their online presence so that folks from all over the world could do things like tour the Louvre or see the Picasso Museum’s virtual visit to Barcelona.

We Are Teachers has a great list of 40 educational virtual field trips and a list of fun and easy summer crafts– perfect for a rainy day indoors.

But it’s not just academics. Last year we asked teachers what they really want parents to work on with their kids before returning to school and it had a lot more to do with manners, regulating emotions, and time management to name a few. Read the full list here.

Nicole Perrino is the founder of Bronxmama.com, a hyperlocal website for Bronx families where she use her influence to celebrate the beauty that the Bronx has to offer. In addition to her role at Bronxmama,...

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