More summer fun ideas from teachers who are parents, too

Looking for ideas to keep your kids smart and satisfied this summer? Here are great suggestions from veteran educators who are also parents that are guaranteed to help you and your kids make the most out of your time together this summer.

“Consider taking an informal trip to nearby college campuses,” Kajitani said. “During the summer, most campuses are not too crowded, and the kids can have lunch in the student center, look around the library and some of the buildings, and all the while begin to picture themselves as a ‘college student.’  It’s really important to get kids (no matter how young) to consider themselves “college-bound.”

Kajitani also suggests helping kids bring out their inner artist. “Schools (especially public) are so intensely focused on reading and math these days, that the summer months are a great time to focus on developing the ‘whole child.’  Do some art projects, play some music, read some poetry. There are all kinds of (cheap) classes offered through the city services. Exposing them to the arts will pay off dramatically in academic achievement when school starts back up in the fall.”

“I love the game called Set,” Sincek said. “It’s a card game that can be played by kids as young as third grade along with adults.  Set is a highly addictive, original game of visual perception; a fascinating challenge for either solitaire or competitive play.  And best of all, no previous knowledge is necessary, so everyone can play.”

Sincek said you can find the game at setgame.com and many game shops. (Note from Such A Smart Mom: This is a great game. We’ve played it in our house for several years. It’s one of those games that parents and kids love equally.)

Looking for more ideas? Read the first installment of our summer learning series, “Great summer ideas from teacher who are parents, too” and “Help you kids stay smart this summer”