28 Hacks To Avoid Summer Slide

Summer is just around the corner! We've compiled 28 DIY ideas and free resources to keep learning going all summer long -- when kids least expect it. (: by Clara Galán

1. Word jar

Via whatdowedoallday.com

Put new words in the vocabulary jar - and review them at the end of the summer.

2. Solar cooker

Via stevespanglerscience.com

How does solar energy work? Experiment making this easy solar oven to cook summer s'mores.

3. Water balloon math

Via notimeforflashcards.com

Keep cool and practice math facts.

4. Journaling

Via wrightingwords.com

Spark imaginations with these 201 creative writing prompts.

5. Food masterpieces

Via mashable.com

Pretty amazing. Eat healthy and study art masterpieces at the same time!

6. Get creative with chalk

Via learningliftoff.com

Play hopscotch with sight words to practice reading. Use more complex vocabulary words with older kids.

7. Educational online games

Via ayearofmanyfirsts.blogspot.com

Kids can play these free educational web-based games from anywhere.

8. Fossil cookies

Via marthastewart.com

Bake a tasty treat and learn about archeology at the same time.

9. Scavenger hunt

Via remind.com

Use the free Remind app to send clues for scavenger hunts. Get kids moving and help them practice using mobile devices.

10. Virtual music

Via virtualpiano.net

Got a budding musician? Practice tunes on this free virtual piano.

11. Yoga

Via parenting.com

Focus and relax through these kid-friendly Yoga moves.

12. Anatomy apron

Via remind.com

A hands-on way to practice the digestive system.

13. Change critters

Via family.disney.com

Ask kids to create their own critter and see how much it costs. (Bonus: What adaptations does it have?)

14. Book-themed party

Via karaspartyideas.com

After your kids finish a summer book, help their reading come to life! (Hint: You can make those Harry Potter wands out of pipe cleaners or pretzels.)

15. Balloon Rocket Car

Via hometrainingtools.com

Kids can create this balloon rocket car with household items to understand the Laws of Motion.

16. Virtual museum

Via classtechtips.com

Don't leave near an art museum? Visit all of the great masterpieces online.

17. Write a play

Via creative-writing-ideas-and-activities.com

Ask your child to pick one of their favorite stories and write a play about it. Put on a production for the entire family!

18. Create a Makerspace

Via ikeahackers.net

Convert a metal-frame based IKEA PS 2014 wardrobe (or other desk) into a maker space.

19. Mobile apps

Via commonsensemedia.org

From learning the basics of coding to creating videos, Common Sense Media has every parent-approved app covered with their Summer Learning Guide.

20. Story cubes

Via storycubes.com

Using story cubes is a fun way to inspire writing, dance or art. When kids roll the dice, each imprinted with a different image, they can develop a story from the pictures.

21. Summer passport

Via pinterest.com

Make a summer passport - add in everyday errands and anywhere you are traveling.

22. Write a comic strip

Via readwritethink.org

Kids can write and illustrate their own comics for free on Read Write Think.

23. Reading timer

Via classtechtips.com

Tracking time for a summer reading program? Check out this timer from Scholastic.

24. Pool games

Via kristin.asenseofwonderplayschool.com

Encourage kids to be active this summer with these creative pool games

25. Solve a mystery

Via bbc.co.uk

BBC's Questionaut is a free game that requires students to explore the interface and think critically before questions are given.

26. DIY garden dolls

Via redtedart.com

Kids can learn to grow and nurture their own creation.

27. Lego challenges

Via teenlibrariantoolbox.com

Explore creativity and science with these Lego challenges.

28. Summer reading

Via fortheteachers.org

From visiting your local library to journaling, try these 8 ways to help your child with reading.