Keeping up with math skills over the summer can be challenging for children because the learning is not embedding into their environment. As a result, research indicates most children lose about two months of grade-level equivalency in math computation skills over the summer break. But this is not the case with Kumon Math students! Here are a few other activities that can help to keep math skills sharp.
Track the temperature daily
Create a chart with your children to track the daily temperature. At the end of the summer, review the chart together and discuss any changes in the weather. When were the hottest days? When were the coolest days? Children can also calculate the differences in decimals between the daily temperatures.
Calculate items for sale
A garage, stoop, or yard sale is a money-making opportunity to sell items you no longer need. Having a lemonade stand is another fun way for children to earn extra money. Adding up the items a person wants to buy is a good learning experience for children. Children can also practice their subtraction skills by making change for customers.
Calculating a tip in a restaurant
Having dinner in a restaurant is not only an occasion to spend quality time together, but it can also be a chance to practice math skills. If your child has learned how to calculate using percentages, she can apply this knowledge when you go out to eat. When the bill comes and you need to calculate the tip, patiently ask your child for the answer.
Make a home-made kite
Spending the afternoon flying a kite is an enjoyable family activity that is synonymous with summertime. Why not help your child to build a home-made kite? Your child can have fun measuring and cutting all of the pieces while applying math skills. Then, take the kite out for a test flight! Don’t forget to look up Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment when you are done to learn a little science too.
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
Past articles from Kumon:
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
Past articles from Kumon:
- Kumon and the Common Core
- Reading Proficiency in Third Grade
- To Have and to Hold...A Pencil
- Motivation and Enjoyment
- Activities to Make Math Fun for Children
- Summer Learning Slide
- The Kumon Reading Program & the Common Core
- How Does the Kumon Method Affect A Student’s Future?
- Fostering Perseverance and Motivation in Your Child
