Keeping your kid engaged in learning even when they aren't in school can help advance their early childhood development. The summer months offer plenty of opportunities to connect with your little one while enjoying educational opportunities together. Use the following ideas to get inspired to help your child learn.

How to Promote Early Childhood Development This Summer

1. Conquer a Reading List

At the start of the summer, create a reading list with your little one. Set the challenge of seeing how many books you can get through together. Take the time to talk about topics, like favorite characters and plot developments. This can enhance your child’s comprehension skills and develop regular reading habits that will benefit their school education.

2. Visit a Park

Head to a park to learn about nature. You can make the experience fun by creating a scavenger hunt. Have kids look for local species of birds, insects, trees, and flowers. You can even encourage them to create a scrapbook or field journal to collect their findings and write interesting facts about their favorite plants.

3. Bake Together

If a summer storm hits, baking is an ideal indoor activity. Use it to teach kids numbers and measurements. For example, measuring out 1/4 cup of sugar can help your little one visualize fractions.

Using a recipe also helps your child follow instructions and feel a sense of accomplishment. After they finish the activity, you’ll have a delicious treat to enjoy together.

4. Attend a Cultural Event

Get your kids curious about the world around them by visiting a museum or attending a play, concert, or ballet. They might discover a new hobby that they can nurture as they get older. For example, attending a symphony could spark an interest in music.

5. Tackle a Science Project

Choose a DIY science project, like creating your own slime or building a volcano of your own. These are opportunities to start mastering the basics of complicated topics like chemistry. The lessons are framed in a fun and tangible way, ideal for young learners.

Guilford Child Development of Greensboro, NC, provides caring yet affordable day care services. Since 1967, this early childhood development center has helped kids discover the joys of learning. They serve over 5,000 families with their various programs, from family literacy to head start programs for children. Working together with parents, they aim to give children the tools they need to foster childhood development and live bright futures. Learn about their programs online. For questions, call (336) 887-8224.