Now that summer vacation is here, what can parents do to prevent summer “brain drain” and keep children involved in engaging, educational activities? How can parents, grandparents and caregivers fill their children’s free time when the kids inevitably whine a few weeks into summer break, “There’s nothing to do!”?
Brain drain is a real phenomenon supported by several studies, says the National Summer Learning Association (summerlearning.org). According to the association:
• Research spanning 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer.
• Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement.
• Children, particularly kids at high risk of obesity, gain weight more rapidly when they are out of school on summer break.
• Parents consistently cite summer as the most difficult time to find productive activities for their children.
Parents and caregivers have many free and fee-based options to keep young brains stimulated, says Allison Granger, language arts coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education. Granger notes that many local cities, community recreation centers, colleges and universities host summer programs for kids, such as the UC Irvine Writing Project’s summer camps for kids (education.uci .edu/uciwp/sy.php).
Learning is year-round at many local museums. Visit the Children’s Museum at La Habra, which holds events, classes and Free Art Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or hone science skills at the Discovery Cube science center in Santa Ana, which hosts summer camps for kids ages 5-10 at the Santa Ana Zoo and San Joaquin Marsh in Irvine. Check out the ongoing programs, classes and workshops at the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine, and explore the Bowers Museum’s newly renovated Kidseum, which offers art classes and free activities for kids on the first Sunday of the month.
In addition, the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity in Costa Mesa hosts a “drop in and draw” event on most Saturdays. Even some businesses get in on the act, says Granger, noting that the Lakeshore Learning stores (lakeshorelearning.com) offer free craft workshops for children 3 and older from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. (Stores in Orange County are in Fountain Valley and Laguna Hills.)
One of Granger’s favorite places for kids to keep their minds sharp in summertime is a free resource in every city: the public library. Libraries offer everything from reading programs to storyteller visits to robotics programs.
Families can also visit libraries in nearby cities, and the county library as well. Because they are in different systems, they offer different programs.
Granger adds: “A huge part of learning is motivation and their engagement. Find things they are interested in and what gets them wanting to learn more. It’s a time for them to explore and become familiar with their community and the world.”
