Everyone has “summer fever” in my household. We’re ready to trade in our school books for the pool and camp. We have just a three days left until portfolio review, but like many parents and educators, I worry about losing the learning momentum during summertime, whether it’s due to a less structured schedule, or weather that just doesn’t scream “library time.” But this challenge can be an opportunity with the right tools. Here is a round up of fun and games for summer brain gain!
First on the list is Times Tales. I am hoping to give my youngest a head start on next year by watching this entertaining video. I actually own . . . well did own two copies until I gave one away to a friend.
Times Tales DVD – Learn Multiplication Tables in an Hour
Times Tales is an interactive animated DVD that teaches kids the upper times tables without memorization. Students can simply follow along with the entertaining story. As they progress, they’ll be guided into associating the stories they’ve learned with real math. With 70 reviews it has a five-star average rating.
“I was so excited to receive this DVD, but I was not prepared for how wonderful it would be! Few things exceed expectations in the way this learning tool did. I purchased it as a reinforcement tool for my middle schooler and she has really benefitted from it. As an added bonus, my preschooler is also well on his way to learning his multiplication facts, too!” – Lacey F.
Good for: Ages 5 to 12
Price: $19.99 down from $29.99!
Magic School Bus – Math & Science Explosions!
Magic School Bus is an all time favorite for all ages – myself included.
This Math and Science Explosion combo is a 2-in-1 of hands-on math and science fun. The math board game is a race to make the volcano explode – first player to get all the math facts right wins!
The double sided board means the gamified learning can go on for a long time, perfect for summer afternoons!
Good for: ALL ages
Price: $53.99 down from $60!
Exclusive STEM Bundle – 7 Awesome Experiments
Magnets, crystals, fossils – oh my! There are 7 kits in this incredible (and incredibly priced) set, perfect for any budding scientist.
With hands-on learning, this is a fun way to engage all children, including special needs. Spur your kids curiosity in STEM(Science, Technology Engineering and Math) and have fun together while learning about the world.
As one parent put it,
My 5 homeschooled kids loved this. I have a special needs child and this was a fun way to show him about science. It was so worth getting. I think I will keep buying these every year for all year long projects. -Shelly W.
Good for: Ages 5-10
Price: $59.95 down from $109.99, PLUS ships FREE to the continental US!
Summer Checklist – Check!
I am all on this! You can check “Summer Activities List” from your OTHER list of to-dos this month with this fun round-up of 52 summer pursuits including indoor and outdoor adventures, as well as simple activities easily integrated into your day.
Download it, print it, and stick it on the fridge (or bring along for family visits) for a little daily inspiration this summer!
Price: Free – download it with one click!
