It’s OK to Beat the Las Vegas Summer Heat by Staying Inside and Having Fun
Las Vegas Montessori | Best Educational Websites
The Innovation Academy team recently explained why “Summer Slide” is not really something you should worry about. To sum up, we noted that our Las Vegas Montessori school students don’t just learn facts that can “leak out” over break. They “learn” how to learn, which means they can thrive in just about any situation. In other words, you don’t have to invest in activities for home study, because your children will be academically fine.
On the other hand, if your kids are bored this summer, you should feel free to fire up some educational fun! Sometimes, it feels like going outside during a Las Vegas summer could melt the brain out of your skull. On days like that, you should absolutely chill out in the air conditioning. We’re certainly not advocating that you park your young learners in front of the TV all day. Most importantly, kids can find plenty to do to keep busy: books, games, and even (yes) chores.
However, it’s OK to allow some screen time, as well.
You don’t have to let it be mindless cartoons, though! Above all, be aware of what your children do online. For example, be sure they can visit only appropriate sites, and monitor conversations with other people online.
With proper safety precautions in place, as well as a pledge to practice moderation, the Internet can be a great way to get through long summer days.
Here are several websites the Innovation Academy team considers some of the best educational websites to anyone looking for fun ways to expand learning at home. We are fortunate enough to live in a time when virtual learning is possible and easily accessible. Please take advantage of these resources. Not only are they fun, but you might just learn a few things, too!
Scholastic Learn at Home
This site allows parents and students to choose activities based on grade level: pre-K/kindergarten, first/second, third through fifth, and sixth through ninth. Links take kids to lists of daily activities, including articles about animals, global places, and history. There are virtual field trips, fiction stories to read, and art and writing activities. Join an author-filled Scholastic Learn at Home virtual graduation on June 30. The free site ends its services that day, but they promise more activities to come …
Prodigy
Create a cute virtual wizard with Prodigy. Your wizard is just starting school and needs to learn how to do any number of things, including fighting (also cute) monsters. Casting spells requires answering questions. For example, a young learner may be shown a triangle. “How many sides does this shape have?” You type in “3” and watch what happens. There are chests to open. There is gold to earn. There are magical pets to care for. Plus, math!
Funbrain
From facts about space to counting games involving a stretchy monkey putting fruit into a basket, Funbrain has a range of activities. Readers can page through virtual books, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid. However, there are also Superman cartoons, Kidz Bop videos, and other more mainstream offerings. In other words, be aware that this one is heavy on typical entertainment. Furthermore, there are ads. If you want to avoid your kid asking for a specific breakfast cereal, try a different site.
CrashCourse
CrashCourse is a YouTube channel loaded with information videos. There is some heavy stuff on here, including introductions to artificial intelligence and neural networks. If these sound like they’re in line with your student’s interests, this site could be a gold mine. There are also virtual courses on “navigating digital information.” In other words, this online resource could help kids to discover and assess the utility of online resources.
Let us know if you have questions about these and other online resources. Above all, we want to be sure you stay happy, healthy, sane, and safe throughout the summer. If we can help in any way, please reach out to us at INNOVATION ACADEMY!
Keep up to date with Innovation Academy by “liking” our FACEBOOK page!
Learn more about Innovation Academy!
- Tips for Distance Learning During COVID-19
- A Better Way to Manage Students with Food Allergies
- S is for Science: STEM at Innovation Academy Las Vegas
Las Vegas Montessori School | Best Educational Websites