I was recently adding activities in the calendar for my grandson when I realized that we have only 5 WEEKS of summer vacation left! I couldn’t help but feel a little sadness for our visual kids that they have such a short time left to think, play and create freely. But, it also means that we better be getting those kids back into practice with those academic skills so they don’t start the school year off feeling behind.

Whether you have more or less time to your summer vacation, the fact is that those hard earned academic skills, especially reading, writing and math, require constant reinforcement throughout the summer. We want your visual kid going back to the classroom feeling good about what’s ahead.

Not to fear, I have some simple ways to sneak skills practice into your daily routine without the kids really feeling any pain associated with it.

Writing

Let’s start with some writing practice. Here are 3 ways to get writing into your routine and get the kids back into the habit of organizing their brilliant ideas and thoughts and turning them into words. At the very least, let’s get them writing with pencil and paper again!

• Journaling- Find a fun, enticing little notebook and have them take 10-20 minutes everyday to write down their plans for the day or an idea they have or a place they would like to visit, etc. The possibilities are endless. Make it fun by offering different colored markers, stickers, etc. If they are having trouble coming up with something to write, try some story starters or writing prompts.
• Draw a picture and write about it- Sometimes our visual learners shut down at the thought of writing. So, let’s ease them into it by drawing first. They like drawing. Then, have them write just a few sentences describing their drawing. Our story paper is made for this!
• Have them write everything for you- There are opportunities for writing EVERYWHERE. Have them write the family shopping list, the to do list for the week, put things in the family calendar, write letters to their grandparents or friends, keep score while you play games. Going on vacation? Buy postcards and send them to grandma. Anything you would write, they can write for you.

Encourage their re-acquaintance with this essential skill. Whatever you can think of and however you do it, get them writing.