Indoors or out, summer is the perfect time to engage in fun, hands-on learning.
Even though the school year is over, you can offer your child an education year-round. 
“You can pride yourself on having your child not only create, but stay active throughout the summer,” said erin Woodridge, development and marketing manager at Hui no’eau Visual arts Center. There is enormous value in keeping your child engaged. “Focus on experiential learning, projected learning, the performing arts, fine arts and athletics,” said Ryan Kirkham, principal at Maui Preparatory academy. Whether you choose to send your child to a camp or plan activities as a family, there is so much you can do. “There are opportunities for marine science, Hawaiian archeology, robotics, English language learning and Hawaiian water sports like surfing,” said Kirkham. Instead of watching television, take the time to visit parks, museums and libraries.
Make sure you continue reading because it increases both vocabulary and comprehension. Your child may prefer to read alone or with you, but regardless, discuss the book and share your thoughts. Do not leave writing or math behind either. Turn education into games and use wonderful platforms like the iPad or computer. Explore and take advantage of the amazing place that we have at our fingertips so the imagination and creativity can light on fire. Kids are anxious to come back to school and share what they did over the summer. Some may even enjoy writing letters to friends or relatives, or keeping a journal where they record their experiences. “Finding the right match for your kid is as simple as a quick Google search in many cases,” said Kirkham. Kirkham points out that almost every kid wants to be a marine biologist or go scuba diving in Hawaii, and summer is the chance to do it. Find out what your child enjoys and pursue it! Jl
