Congratulations, your child has graduated from pre-K, and they are starting kindergarten in the fall! Now you may be wondering, “How can I help them hold on to everything they learned in pre-K over the summer?” Here are a few ideas, including free things to do over the summer.
1. Summer Reading
Children who have been in a high-quality pre-K program have developed reading skills that will help them in kindergarten. But studies have shown that children can lose reading over the summer.
Don’t worry, there is a solution! Most public libraries offer a free summer reading program, including lots of activities, and – of course – books, to keep your child learning over the summer. Visit your local library’s website or stop by a branch to learn more. Children feel extra motivated when they are part of a program with their peers. And getting fresh books regularly will keep them (and you!) excited about reading all summer long.
2. StoryWalks®
A StoryWalk® is a fun activity that engages families in literacy and getting active. Pages from a children’s book are printed and placed in displays along a walkable path at a park, school, neighborhood, or even a city’s downtown area. They can help support literacy development, physical and social wellbeing, community building, and cognitive skills.
StoryWalks can encourage reading, physical activity, and time with friends and family. StoryWalks can be found in parks across the U.S. If you’re looking for one, type “StoryWalk” and the name of your town into a search engine. Combined with other park activities, it can be a fun outing for you and your child, a group of kids, or even the whole family!
3. Day Camps
If you work outside of the home and don’t have at-home care during the summer, you are probably looking for something for your child to do during the summer. Try looking for enriching day camps that will help your child stay in a routine, socialize with other children of the same age, and get some much-needed outdoor time!
Many communities have organizations such as YMCAs, churches, children’s theaters, park and recreation departments, and other nonprofits or community groups that offer day camps. There are day camps for pre-K students, and sometimes even specialty camps such as art camps, swim camps, and so on.
When you are looking for day camps, make sure that they are supervised by trained counselors and operated in a safe environment. Read reviews from other parents. Look to your local newspaper or media outlets for local summer camp guides. And when in doubt, ask your child’s teachers, or other parents, for recommendations. NextDoor is a great place to connect with neighbors.
Other Ideas
As we mentioned before, talking to other parents is a great source of information about good summer activities for your rising kindergartener. When in doubt, here’s a handy article from Scholastic called “How to Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten This Summer.” It has lots of practical tips for helping your child practice the essential skills they need in kindergarten.
Have a great summer!
About MECK Pre-K
MECK Pre-K classrooms are located in licensed childcare centers and taught by licensed teachers and highly qualified assistant teachers. You can apply online at MeckPreK.org. If you have a child who is not old enough for pre-K this year, you can sign up for our email list and be notified when they’re eligible for MECK Pre-K. Simply go to MECKPrek.org/future-meck-pre-k-students and select your child’s age group.