Memorizing multiplication facts or doing flash cards isn't exactly every child's dream for summer vacation activities. However, it is true that some children might experience a significant "summer slide" in those academic skills that challenge them the most, making it difficult to catch up to their peers upon returning to school in September.

You are your child's first and most natural teacher.
Now think about how you would like to define "teacher" and "learning." Do you want your child to maintain their natural curiosity about the world around them and to acquire a love of learning and true enthusiasm for discovering new things? Or do you want them to learn only how to take a test or perform tasks of rote memorization?

Flash cards are not the only (or the best) way to learn.
"Teachable moments" for developing thinking skills are embedded in those everyday events that will naturally take place this summer. Cooking together provides practice in following directions, reading (the recipe), math concepts (ex: measurement, multiplying recipes), and teamwork while creating special memories. Letting your child actively participate in grocery-shopping can support math and monetary skills, reading (ex: labels, aisle markers), and valuable life skills (ex: money management, comparing prices and values.) Over the dinner table, have each member of the family discuss something positive from their day, new experiences, or something surprising they learned that day.

Think outside of the box.
Organize a family "scavenger hunt." Sending postcards to long-distance relatives from your own hometown or keeping a "summer journal" to record and to share experiences provides writing practice. (Parents and siblings can also keep their own journal to support a family "journal sharing time.") Taking "family field trips" to local events or new places can provide enriching experiences and interesting topics for family discussion. Even a walk around your neighborhood can increase awareness and learning as you notice the sights, the changes, and the world around you.

Rediscover your own natural curiosity and love of learning.
The best learning comes from adopting attitudes, values, and approaches that support an enthusiasm for making meaning out of new experiences and the world around us. Your own behaviors and approach to learning will provide a model from which your children will develop their own attitudes and values. Your enthusiasm for discovering new things and your eagerness to pursue more knowledge regarding things that interest you will show your child what it means to be a "learner" and you will have become a true "teacher."