Don’t forget to scroll down for links to eight fun games you can play with your child this summer!
Beginning at the age of four, the average child has the ability to learn up to six words per day.1 By third grade, most children can map out a complex dance routine, then repeat it—which makes for a wonderful skill at a talent show. While there are many steps on the ladder of early childhood development, only one thing can be certain: in order for your child to learn something new, they must be exposed to it.
Over the summer, children typically lose two months’ worth of educational knowledge. This phenomenon has been called “Summer Slide” by experts, and while all young people experience it, those who are exposed to educational activities during the summer typically have an advantage when school starts back up in the fall.2
Luckily, there are steps that parents can take to combat Summer Slide and keep their children’s minds active in the warm months to come. Playing a game that supports creative thinking can be a fun way to stimulate your child’s mind. Below is an example of a game that is suitable for ages four and up:
Game: Silly Comic Strip
Minimum number of players needed: Three
Materials needed: One piece of paper and pen/pencil for each person (that’s it!)
How to play: Write one sentence at the very top of your paper (the sillier the better). Pass the paper to the person on your left. You will now have someone else’s paper, with their sentence on it, in front of you. Now draw a picture that represents that sentence. Carefully fold the top of the paper back, hiding the original sentence. Pass the paper to your left again. You will now have a new piece of paper with a picture at the top. Write down one sentence that you believe represents what is happening in that picture. Fold the top of the paper back, hiding the picture. Pass the paper to your left – continue to repeat this process until there is no more room on the page, or you get your original paper back. Unfold the page and get ready to laugh!
TIP: When drawing your picture, make sure to leave enough room below for a sentence description, as well as other pictures down the line.
Fight summer slide! Outdoor learning is a great way to keep young minds active and engaged. Camp Fire Central Oregon offers many opportunities for young people to get outside, learn, stay active, play, and meet new friends. We now offer an exciting new Pick Your Days program for SummerKids. And don’t forget to sign up for a week of outdoor learning at Tumalo Day Camp! Whatever your schedule is this summer, Camp Fire will be there.
Looking for more fun game to play with your child this summer? You’re in luck! Click the links below and let the fun begin:
Sources:
1. PBS, Child Development Tracker, Your Three Year Old http://www.pbs.org/parents/childdevelopmenttracker/three/index.html
2. National Summer Learning Association, Know The Facts, http://www.summerlearning.org/?page=know_the_facts
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