Educational Apps for the Summer

I know what you're thinking: "But what a minute - she's been advocating screen limits for summer, extracurricular activities so the kids won't reach for their tech and now she wants them to play with apps?"  No I haven't been out in the sun too long, but I do think that technology - in the right dosage - is a very good thing indeed.

So what about those educational apps?

If your kids are looking for a little time on the computer or tablet or smartphone, why not let them engage in an age-appropriate educational activity? They will think you are being super cool and laid-back about their screen limits, while you know that they are getting some much needed intellectual stimulation over the summer.  And as the experts are keen to note, summer reading and learning activities help reduce the Summer Brain Drain.

Check out Common Sense Media's Summer Learning Guide which specifically breaks down different learning categories by age (2-7, 8-12, 13-17).  Your child can Explore the World, do Hands-On Science, Get Creative and more.

The Learning Works for Kids also proposes a Summer Reading Guide that "offers hands-on activities, outdoor exercises and a curated batch of digital content sure to get even the most reluctant readers ready to learn."

Parenting.com also weighs in with their Best Summer Learning Apps for Kids.  And for those of you with teens, Great Schools offers 7 Learning Apps to Stop the Summer Slide for High Schoolers.

If you need some more tips, write to me here.  If the tips were helpful, please share them with parents and carers battling with Summer Brain Drain.

And don't hesitate to let me know how your summer goes! I would be thrilled to hear from you.

Happy Summer Everyone!