Ways Black Parents Can Keep Kids Learning This Summer

Summer should be a time for fun, rest, and freedom for kids. But it can also become a time when children lose some of the academic progress they made during the school year. This phenomenon is what researchers call the Summer Slide. This learning loss is especially concerning for kids in our community who often find themselves lagging behind their peers academically.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your children busy without spending a fortune, we’ve got you covered. Here some ideas for keeping your kids entertained and learning during the dog days of summer.

Keep Toddlers Active and Curious

This is the easiest group of kids to entertain. They don’t complain much.

Take advantage of the nice weather by visiting local parks, splash pads, and public pools whenever you can. Those outings are not just fun, they also help young children build social skills and physical coordination. Libraries are another underrated resource for parents of young kids during the summer months. Many offer free story time, music sessions, and craft activities that can help toddlers develop language skills and inspire them to be creative.

You don’t always have to go somewhere. If you think outside the box, parents can turn simple daily activities into learning opportunities. Counting fruit at the grocery store, naming colors during walks, or singing alphabet songs in the car help children stay mentally engaged without spending money. At that age, learning does not have to look like it does at school.

Help School-Age Kids Stay Sharp

This is where parenting during the summer can become a bit challenging. The off months can quickly become all screens and no structure if parents are not intentional. One of the best ways to fight learning loss is by mixing fun with education.

Many museums have free days and can expose kids to history, science, art, and culture in ways classrooms cannot. Local park districts and YMCAs also offer free or low-cost camps that keep children active and engaged without breaking the bank. Parents should also encourage daily reading and limit screen time. Even thirty minutes of reading, writing, or math practice can make a difference. The key is consistency. Kids should enjoy summer while still keeping their minds active.

Be Ready for a Battle With Your Teens

This is by far the hardest group to entertain when they are out of school. If they are of age, encourage them to get a job. Working a summer job teaches them to be reliable and consistent. The key is to find them a job that they want to do.

If they aren’t old enough to work, you don’t have to turn them over to their phones. There are still things they can do.

Teenagers need structure, even if they act like they don’t. Parents should encourage teens to do more than sit around playing video games and scrolling on their phones. Summer is a great time to get them reading books that match their interests.

I’m a film critic, and my love for film was inspired by my mother exposing me to films like “Imitation of Life” and “Vertigo” during the summer months. I strongly suggest parents make movie watching intentional by introducing teens to entertaining Black films and documentaries, then having conversations about them afterward. (Please show them actual good movies. Not movies like “The Wiz” that have great musical numbers but are lackluster .)

Volunteer opportunities and community college classes can also help teens stay productive. The goal is to keep their minds active while still allowing them to enjoy their break from school.

These are just a few ideas to keep your kids active and engaged while they are at home. Turning them over to their phones and video games may keep them out of your hair, but it will set them up for failure when the school year begins.