Countdown to Summer

The last two weeks of June are now upon us, and the anticipation for the end of the school year is building.  Summer vacation will soon be here.  Hooray!!!

But after the first couple of weeks of summer break, many parents hear the familiar refrain, "I'm bored!"  Planning ahead can help ward off summer boredom. As well, many teachers find the progress students make over the school year can be lost during the summer.  To help avoid both scenarios, here are some suggestions for activities parents/caregivers and kids can do together that mix low cost summer fun with a bit of learning.  Kids can research the information on the internet ahead of time to aid in the "how to" or identification.

1. Visit the Sifton bog.

2. Collect fossils at Medway Creek.

3. Pack a picnic lunch and bike to the park.

4. Go fishing.

5. Join your local library summer reading club.

6. Make a whole meal from scratch following a recipe.

7. Visit the Ontario Museum of Archeology (off Wonderland Road).

8. Teach your kids to use public transit and look up bus routes/schedules.

9. Plant and tend a vegetable garden.

10. Make and fly a kite.

There are lots of other summer activities that will keep the kids busy -- the key is to find something that interests your child and do it together.  Remember that kids also need a bit of "down" time as well, so try not to over schedule.  Summer is also a good time to enhance social skills, so include friends and neighbourhood kids when possible.  Have a great summer and BE SAFE!!