Every parent wants their child to be prepared for school in the fall, but some kids experience skill degradation over the summer. Even young students can fall behind academically if they don’t practice what they learned. To combat this loss, the summer day care staff at Great Beginnings in St. Charles and Cottleville, MO, uses their expertise in early childhood education to make learning exciting. Below, they offer a few tips you can use to help your kids prepare for school and have fun during their break.

Keep Children Reading

One of the most important things you can do is encourage your kids to read every day. Summer vacation gives them the time and freedom to explore the topics that interest them and discover how fun reading can be. Visit the library often, especially on days when they offer storytelling activities. Practice reading at home by showing your children picture books and asking them to describe the scenes.

Set Up Educational Experiences at Home

Kids can learn by playing with the toys and everyday items you already have at home. You can work together in the garden to learn about science and nature, study geography with an atlas, and have them help you cook a meal to practice measurements. If your children are nervous about their first year in preschool, you can also take turns pretending to be teachers and students, so they get used to lessons and structure.

Enroll Children in a Summer Day Care Program  

Participating in a summer day care program gives kids the chance to get out of the house regularly and interact with their peers. It’s also an ideal environment for them to engage in educational activities and become comfortable with the school environment. Look for a program that provides a range of games and lessons that will benefit children’s physical and mental development.

When you take an active role in your child’s education, they will be more likely to enjoy school when fall begins. Encouraging them to have fun and learn at the same time helps your young student make the most of their break. To learn more about the summer day care programs at Great Beginnings, call (636) 724-5048 in St. Charles or (636) 447-4212 Cottleville. Visit them online for details about the curriculum and enrollment requirements.