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Children are naturally good at learning – it’s what they do from the moment they are born! Children learn language, culture, social norms, and knowledge from everyone around them. For most children, learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings or when schools close for summer vacation. Most children are intensely curious and, given the right environment, will dive into the exploration of new knowledge!

 

At Oak Learners, we understand that school breaks are a fantastic time for family vacations and summer adventures which is why we have designed summer programming to bridge the learning gap while embracing the summer season! At Oak Learners our Academic Skill Boosters to provide regular practice in the areas of literacy and mathematics with the support of a Certified Teacher throughout the summer months. Students may also opt to take private music lessons during the summer months as well as Art and Mindfulness workshops.

 

Above all, Summer Break should be fun and a time for children to explore their natural curiosities. Summer Camps encourage this natural exploration and through themed learning and carefully structured interdisciplinary programming. Day Camps at Oak Learners see children spending the majority of their day engaged in outside-the-box learning activities. They may go on a nature walk which turns into a scientific scavenger hunt, building observational, map reading and navigation skills. Arts programming at our camps also includes lessons in music, art and performance, promoting collaboration and creative expression among our campers.

 

 

5 Creative Ways to Support Learning at Home During the Summer

 

  1. Make Learning Fun! Activities such as baking, shopping or creating a lemonade stand are fantastic ways to ‘hide’ math in your summer fun. Encourage children to participate in measuring recipes or budgeting for shopping trips. Car rides are also fantastic opportunities to improve mental math and literacy skills: counting cars of different colours, monitoring the time elapsed or time left in a trip, or even reading billboard signs are alternatives to the ever-popular alphabet game, played by reading licence plates.

 

  1. Summer Reading Clubs are great ways to encourage children to read for pleasure and explore new books over the summer months. Visit your local Toronto Public Library to participate in their Summer Reading incentive program, which includes a special notebook to track books that children have read and the opportunity to meet regularly with librarians to share what they have read and ask for advice on new books.

 

  1. Board Games are fantastic ways to bring the family together on a rainy day or summer evening. Hidden benefits of card games and board games are plentiful: children learn to take turns, read instructions or game cards, counting and mental math skills, strategy and problem-solving, critical thinking, improved memory, and so much more!

 

  1. Nature Walks can quickly become Science Investigations or Scavenger Hunts for children of all ages. Encourage children to be mindful of their surroundings, listening to the changing sights and sounds throughout each stage of the summer season. Track animal prints, conduct research on birds in your neighbourhood, learn about edible plants or grow a vegetable garden in your backyard.

 

  1. Have fun! The most important aspect of learning should be having fun. When children are happy and relaxed, they are more likely to excel in activities and build successful relationships. Fun looks different for each child, so take your cues from them and encourage summer as a time to explore each child’s individual interests and curiosities. A summer of learning for fun can set them up with motivation for a very successful school year and plenty of memorable experiences to share with friends when they return to class in September.

Kelly Farrell

Kelly Farrell is the Founder and Director of Oak Learners. She is dedicated to supporting learners of all ages and abilities reach their goals and love the learning journey. Kelly’s philosophy of education is based in the understanding that every child has the capacity to excel and succeed when they are given the tools and taught the skills to help them on their journey.
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