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Ideas make summer fun a learning experience
 Summer
vacations are a time for kids to kick back, relax and most importantly,
have fun. However, just because school is out doesn't mean that
children need to forgo learning in the pursuit of having fun. There
are many activities that have the potential to be learning experiences.
Parents can foster learning throughout the warm-weather months.
Here are a few ideas for maximum fun.
Solar Power
The sun is an awe-inspiring star, which has the potential to do
more than just provide the ideal warm day for a dip in the pool.
Kids can build their own solar-powered ovens that can heat up s'mores,
cookies and other snacks with just a few simple supplies and a bright,
sunny day.
Kid's Solar Oven
Supplies: Shoe box, popsicle stick, scissors, aluminum foil, treat
to heat
Instructions:
1. Line the inside of the box and the lid with aluminum foil. Tape
the foil to the edges to keep it in place.
2. Cut a flap in the lid of the box. It should be one inch from
the three sides of the lid. Fold the reflecting lid back so it sticks
up. Put tape around the edges of the opening to keep the foil in
place.
3. Place the lid back on the box and use the popsicle stick and
tape to keep the reflective flap open.
4. Place the box in the sun with a treat inside of the box. It
could take a while, but depending upon the sun's intensity you can
warm up a snack to enjoy. It may be very hot, so be careful.
Water Works
What goes better with a warm, sunny day than something to keep
kids cool? Water toys are ideal when it's hot, but parents can also
encourage learning in addition to cooling off.
One suggestion is Linky Sprinks: The Thinking, Linking, Sprinkling
ToyTM. With this toy, kids create their own sprinkler system and
learn about water flow, water control and water pressure. Using
the pipes, joints, connectors, valves, pressure gauges, and sprinkler
heads provided, children determine where the water will go and flow.
They can execute a design of their choice, and enjoy the "cool"
results, unknowingly being introduced to principles of fluid mechanics
as they play.
"My 6-year-old son was fascinated with how sprinkler systems
worked," says Thomas Schellhardt, creator of Linky Sprinks.
"He would watch me fix the sprinkler system in our yard, and
then ask me to sketch out designs for him, so that he could build
a sprawling creation of his own across the lawn."
"Troubleshooting is all a part of the fun and learning,"
adds Jennifer Apy, head of product selection for LearningTree Games,
(www.learningtreegames.com), an online retailer offering quality
learning toys. "When children are given a project that they
can plan and execute themselves, it creates organizational and follow-through
skills that will set them up later in life." Children can experiment
and learn about water flow, water control and water pressure, as
they fix leaks, adjust spray height, direction and coverage, all
the while keeping cool.
When you purchase Linky Sprinks from LearningTree Games now through
June 30, 2006 you will receive a special discount offer. Simply
jot down the coupon code: WATERFUN2006 and visit www.learningtreegames.com
to learn more.
SAND AND SURF
There's more to the beach than sandcastles. The wildlife that inhabits
marine areas is something kids aren't exposed to on a daily basis,
which makes seaside learning that much more exciting.
Children can become amateur marine biologists with just a few items.
A small colander or wire strainer makes a great collection device
for skimming the surf. Kids can catch shells, small fish, snails
and other wonders of the ocean to examine and release. Plastic mesh
bags that typically house sand shovels and buckets can be used to
store shells or other treasures collected. A pair of swim goggles
allows kids to peer beneath the surface of the water or in shallow
pools that collect on the sand.
Binoculars and a sketchbook are also a great addition to surfside
lounging. Kids can spy seagulls and other birds and scope out ships
and sailboats on the horizon. Then they can sketch scenes in their
book to take home and frame later on.
For those who want to play and build in the sand, Sand Molds -
Shapes, Letters, Numbers teach children how to recognize the alphabet,
numbers and common shapes. Kids can press the molds into sand in
a sandbox or at the beach. When the weather isn't cooperating, they
can use the molds indoors with clay or homemade dough.
ARE WE THERE YET?
Most parents know that the car ride to and from summertime activities
can be a drag for children - and for you - when they're constantly
asking how much longer. Beat backseat boredom with activities that
keep kids' minds stimulated.
Fun games like naming the states on license plates, looking for
particular car colors or types and familiar children's songs can
work. Or, boost up the educational level a little more with Learning
Wraps, a learning tool that helps children build proficiency with
facts in math, language, science, music and more. These self-contained
items are easy to tote along.
For more ideas on how children can maximize their summertime learning,
visit visit www.learningtreegames.com or call a LearningTree Games
Toy Advisor at 1-877-LTG-TOYS.
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