Kids Summer Checklist
Using a Summer Checklist for Kids to Balance Fun and Learning Before Screen Time
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Today is the last day of the school year! Summer, here we come…
Summer is the season of sun-drenched days, family vacations, and for many kids, the temptation to spend countless hours glued to screens. While technology offers entertainment and educational opportunities, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Implementing a summer checklist for your kids can be an excellent way to ensure they engage in a variety of enriching activities before diving into their screen time.
The Importance of a Summer Checklist
Encourages Continuous Learning
Summer often signifies a break from the structured learning environment of school, but that doesn’t mean learning should come to a halt. A checklist can include educational activities like reading, practicing math skills, or exploring scientific concepts through hands-on experiments. This helps prevent the dreaded “summer slide” where kids lose some of the knowledge they gained during the school year. We use the Brain Quest Summer workbooks (see below) and our kids love them!
Fosters Creativity
Creativity is an essential skill that can be nurtured through various activities. Your checklist can include tasks like drawing, painting, crafting, or even writing stories. These activities allow children to express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and think outside the box.
Promotes Exploration
Encouraging kids to explore their environment can spark curiosity and a love for learning. Include activities like nature walks, visits to museums, or simple backyard explorations. This not only enhances their understanding of the world but also provides practical learning experiences.
Ensures Physical Activity
Physical activity is vital for a child’s health and well-being. A summer checklist can incorporate activities such as biking, swimming, playing sports, or even participating in family hikes. Regular physical activity helps build strong bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and supports mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
Cultivates a Love for Reading
Reading is a gateway to knowledge and imagination. Including daily reading time in the checklist can help children develop a habit of reading, improve their vocabulary, and enhance comprehension skills. You can make it more exciting by visiting the library for new books. Or, I’m trying something new this summer…I’ve created Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks (see below for download).
Below is a checklist I created and have been using for many summers. The last week of school my kids are already asking about it and making sure I print off a new one for them - they are practically begging for it each summer!
If you would like to give this checklist a try, I’ve made it available for you as a FREE PRINTABLE. Download, print, laminate and put it on the fridge with a dry erase marker. You’re all set!
To go along with the checklist, I also give them a list of Boredom Busters. This list gives them ideas to Be creative, things for Outside play, fun ideas to Read, Exercise activities and ways to Do help around the house. I print this on the backside of the checklist. So, anytime they get “bored”, I tell them to go look at the list for ideas.
To download the Summer Checklist + Boredom Busters + Reading Challenge Bookmarks + a customizable Canva template, CLICK HERE!
You may be wondering what workbook we use. I have found the Brain Quest Summer Workbooks to be incredibly helpful. There is a map with stickers to keep track of each page they complete. It rotates through different subjects to keep them engaged and learning. I ask my kids to do at least 2 pages a day, however, they typically keep going because it is fun for them. We give them an additional incentive…if they finish the whole book by the end of the summer, we will take them to get a special ice cream treat.
A summer checklist is more than just a tool for managing screen time; it’s a way to ensure your kids have a well-rounded, enriching summer. By balancing learning, creativity, exploration, and physical activity, you’re helping them develop essential skills and habits that will benefit them long beyond the summer months. So, grab a pen, sit down with your kids, and start planning a summer of fun and growth!
Do you use a Summer checklist with your kids? How do you balance screen time during the summer months? Do your kids enjoy the structure and routine of a checklist?
Come again, stay longer!
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