Summer slide is the loss of academic skills that students experience during the summer months. Last week we asked teachers what they really wanted parents to work on with their children before entering the classroom this fall. There was a big focus on behavior and emotional control — see it here in case you missed it. This week we’re putting the spotlight on academics and how to incorporate learning into your summer- with a New York City twist. Here are some ways to keep those brains active while enjoying fun across the city this season:
Reading: Reading for at least 20 minutes each day makes a difference. Let kids pick books on topics that interest them most. Have a mini music lover? Grab a special-edition Hip Hop library card from your local library and check out these 50 Books to celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop.
Down for an adventure? Check out the map of Little Free Libraries across the city and set out to find as many as you can this summer. Free Little Libraries are filled with donated books that are free for anyone to take.
Writing: Only around one in three kids say they enjoy writing, so find ways to make writing fun. On Wednesdays, head to the Arlington library in Brooklyn so teens can get creative and make their own zine.
Math: Yes, NYC has a math museum. Pick a day and head to the National Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan to interact with robots, play math games with your feet, shoot hoops and more. Learn more.
Science: Science isn’t all about volcanoes and the solar system. Spend a day at the Hall of Science in Queens and take on a challenge in their design lab, get hands-on with energy, and learn about the science behind how and why we experience happiness. Learn more.
Social studies: The words culture and history are synonymous with NYC. But it doesn’t have to just be about the ‘olden days.’ Take the kids to the Museum of the City of New York and see exhibits that celebrate the city’s past, present, and future. Learn more.
Technology: Yes, kids get enough screen time as it is, but the Apple store does offer some fun, free coding classes for kids — a nice plan for a rainy day. Learn more.
Art: We’ve shared before that Little Island on Pier 55 in Manhattan offers free art making activities on Wednesdays from 11 to 1 p.m. Learn more.
Music: Thanks to the New York City Parks Department, there are no shortage of opportunities to catch live music around the city — for free. From Summer on the Hudson to jazz, there’s something for everyone. Learn more.
