“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke
Can you believe that Summer 2010 is already upon us?! Doesn’t it seem that we were just welcoming in our new decade and already we are half way through the year! Well now that you’re easing into your much anticipated break from homework sessions, preparation of school lunches and daily sprints to the bus stop, let me offer you something to think over….
Everyone knows that the summer season is a perfect time to bond and rediscover your child in ways that may have eluded you during the academic year due to time constraints! As your children welcome in the vast amounts of leisure time that lies before them, begin thinking of ways you can expose them to new activities to expand their development.
The fact of the matter is…kids need an outlet! A pursuit that isn’t too structured, depended upon a grade or time sensitive can give them a sense of accomplishment and do wonders for their self-confidence!
We have already considered how hobbies can be an excellent approach to discovering new passions so let’s add to our discussion with this basic premise: children don’t have to be a whiz at anything initially; they only need to be curious!
And if you need another incentive to move in that direction, some hobbies can also teach valuable life skills. Just notice some meaningful suggestions in the article
Worthwhile Hobbies for Children: 1. Needlework 2. Dressmaking 3. Culinary Arts 4. Car Repair 5. Painting 6. Writing 7. Reading 8. Gardening 9. Building model cars 10. Playing an instrument
Add a little punch to some of these ideas to take them and your child to the next level! As billionaire Donald Trump always say, “You’re going to think anyway…why not think BIG!”
On the subject of writing, have the child keep a summer journal; write poetry and send it off to be published (check the internet for publishing sites for children); or have them write their very own play to be acted out by friends of family members.
As for reading, have them sign up for the local library’s summer reading program which sometimes grant prizes to the child who has read the most books and so on.
The key is you are looking for exposure to different activities that can lead to acquiring a new skill, interest or talents! In other words, something new that will give your child a sense of accomplishment outside of academics!
Of course as a parent and professional with an interest in academics, I highly recommend deciding whether to use summer vacation as a time to strengthen weak academic skill sets or to get a jump on the coming school year. Purchase a workbook or two to review the previous school year and/or to begin learning skills sets for the next grade.
Don’t forget our personal family mantra that you may be able to share with your family and help inspire your children to get on board with your summer academic plans…“If a child can spend 10 hours engaged in games, etc. they certainly can devote one hour to their academics…i.e. – their future!” Talk to them about how prepared they will be once school starts up again and give them examples of successful students.
As always…give it a try and see where it leads!
See you next school year!
Michelle Brown-Stafford Acceleration Coach/Gifted Education www.gifted-spirit.com Mocha Charm, Inc. P.O. Box 391502 Snellville, GA 30039 678.278.8424
For week beginning May 24, 2010 Source: • “Worthwhile Hobbies for Children”, March 2, 2006 Recommended: • “Teach Now – Splash into Summer”, Scholastic Kids The
