Learning center

Education insight for parents Learning Center

Write down summer memories

We are in the heart of summer! Children are enjoying the warm weather, fun activities with friends and vacation time. But summer can also be an enjoyable learning experience.

The summer break provides many memorable moments, and writing about them is a good way to record those memories and practice writing skills at the same time.

Parents tend to focus on their children’s reading and math skills, overlooking that writing is an education fundamental. It’s fast becoming the forgotten ‘R.’ This is unfortunate, as writing is an important part of every facet of education, not just in English class. Writing proficiency can have a major impact on other subject areas too.

Summer vacation provides an excellent opportunity for children to explore their creative writing skills. Following are some tips to help parents encourage their children to write over the summer:

Pick an engaging topic

by Patrick McNamara

Persuading your child to write over the summer break may be easier if you help them identify fun and engaging topics. Suggest timely subjects. For example, does your child know why you picked your summer vacation spot – or why you decided to do a staycation? Do they have expectations for what they will be doing during their vacation?

Ask them if they know why you made your choice, what they like about the choice, what they don’t like about the choice. Ask them what they are most looking forward to during this summer.

If you are traveling to a new destination, encourage your children by helping them with some research about the destination, its history, people and places.

Give story starters

Sometimes the most difficult part of writing can be getting started. Help your children write their essays by giving them topic ideas, such as:

I am looking forward to going to the ocean because….

On the first day at the lake, my family and I usually…

As with most things, the only way to improve writing is to write. As students develop the ability to fill up a blank piece of paper, the less intimidating that blank page will become!

Patrick McNamara is the owner and executive director at Sylvan Learning of Albany and Clifton Park. For more information, visit SylvanLearning.com.

114823_4