Summer With Games… and Katy Perry
Just because it is summer doesn’t mean it is a time to be physically and mentally lazy. We support our kids as they participate in summer sports in addition to enrolling them in a park program so they’re outside and active. Last summer we did a few single day activities but this year we stepped it up. We enrolled them in a few different week-long educational camps and also have a visit to Space Camp on the schedule.
All those activities still leave heaping gaps in their schedule. As you know, we regularly play games, including strategy and educational games to keep their brains active. We’ve discovered some amazing ones that are not only enjoyable for the kids but also for adults. Sumoku, Ambiguity and Boxcars are among our favorites.
Unfortunately, we have work to do so we can’t be engaged with them all the time. We’ve set rules regarding screen time and as long as they are making choices of educational shows and apps we bend the rules a bit.
As I mentioned previously, the girls love watching documentaries with us. Together, we watch shows about gem hunting, outer space or shows demonstrating how products or food are made. Recently, sushi was the subject matter of the one. Documentaries offer real-life stories with real-life lessons. Blackfish, as well as a documentary about the life of a superstar: Katy Perry: Part of Me, are both on our Netflix watch list.
The kids need shows they can watch on their own so we can get something accomplished. Ever since Miss M first discovered radar, she has shown an interest in all-things weather. She regularly monitors it on her iPad as well as watching the news reports when storms are approaching. Despite living in the middle of the country, she’s well informed of what hurricane is where. Storm Surfers is the perfect show for her and one that she can stream while we’re doing other things.
Of course, we can’t forget the importance of learning about space, history and exploration. Netflix offers a great selection of informative shows such as Lewis & Clark: The Journey Out West, Walking with the Dinosaurs and When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions.
Young kids don’t need to miss out on educational shows. The Magic School Bus, LeapFrog Math and BusyTown Mysteries are just a small sampling of what is available for kids to stream during the summer months. Incorporate educational games like Robot Turtles into your schedule to help balance their screen time.
Encourage kids to be active, have fun and learn… even though it’s summer.
I am going to be homeschooling my oldest this fall, she is going into Kindergarten, so this post will be very helpful for coming up with ideas to use. Thank you for sharing!
What an excellent reminder to keep kids learning throughout the summer! I was homeschooled, and my Mom always helped us stay active, and encouraged us to read good books. I think it is so very important to cultivate a love of reading, and also put limits on television like you mentioned in your blog. Great post! Very helpful. Keep it up!
I love documentaries and my teen just started enjoying them. She watched Part of Me, but I missed it. Might need to loop back around with her and give it a whirl!
We do lots of summer reading programs to keep my son learning during the break. I love all your ideas!
It sounds like you are having a great sumer together! I’ve tried to keep my own kids’ brains active also. I need to check out the games & books.
I thinks this is an awesome way to spend summer.
Great way to spend summer, it’s good to make sure that you’re kids don’t get out of the habit of learning.
I wonder if my son knows about this. He is Katy Perry everything.
It’s great to do things with the kiddies during the holidays! We plan to go the Lego Land in the next 2 weeks and then to Thomas Land then they all want to go to Angry Bird land… I think I will also need to get a battery booster for the tablets.. the kids are crazy for them… I do try and limit them but on a long car ride… well.. it’s better for them to be entertained.
William
these look like a great way to spend the day with the kids and have some fun while doing it. thanks for the suggestions.
You sound like you two have your parenting skills down pat. I agree that kids need to learn durning the summer months and what better way to learn than having fun doing it. The Boxcar game is something I needed as a kid to help teach me all the states of the US.
I noticed a couple of National Geographic videos up there–I own quite a few of them myself. There is noting like viewing nature at its best and at its worst. Children do need outdoor exercise-but I agree that their brains need a workout as well.
I think there’s always time to learn. I agree with you that learning can, and should be, fun!
How fun that your children like to watch documentaries with you. My little one does, and my teen will sometimes, but for the most part my teen says they’re boring. 😉
I try not to let my kids play games online to much we prefer them to go outside and play.
Hi Nicole,
That’s an interesting way to combine pop culture and education / games. It’s definitely creative.