Five Summer Bridge Activities to Head Start Student Success

Summer is finally here! That means a few months respite from all the homework folders, reading logs, and school newsletters parents have to check every day. Sadly, it’s also a time when many students forget some of what they’ve worked so diligently to learn. The good news is that there are many hands-on summer activities for parents who want to give their children an academic boost. Even students who excel in their studies could benefit from a refresher before fall rolls around.

I know what you’re thinking: “No way am I going to try to get my child to do schoolwork during summer break!” But don’t sweat; all of the activities listed are kid-approved. We also made sure the ideas are relevant and have been shown reap legitimate academic rewards. We know how precious your time and money truly are.

1. School District Summer Bridge Camps

The very first Summer Bridge Programs were started by colleges. Hoping to bring incoming freshmen up to speed before the fall semester, these workshops taught time management, study skills, and math/reading/writing reviews. Now, public school districts are catching on and offering similar programs to younger students. Many parents still don’t know about bridge activities, or they don’t take the opportunities because of the stigma associated with summer school. But Summer Bridge is not just for struggling students; it’s a great way to give all students the coping skills to handle the upcoming school year.

2. Summer reading at your library

Next on our list is a reading program that, thankfully, won’t cost you a dime. Libraries have really stepped up their game in the past few years, offering a wide variety of summer events, such as:

• Themed reading lists
• Storytime for young children
• Video competitions
• Library slumber parties
• Literacy and movement workshops
• Reading to therapy dogs
• Reading Buddies
• Adult reading programs (Compete with your child to see who can read the most books!)

Designed to accommodate multiple learning styles and grade levels, these fun (and free!) activities are sure to boost your child’s reading prowess for the new school year. After all, the best way to become a better reader is to read more books!

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