How Do You Keep Kids' Brains Sharp Over Summer Vacation?

Editor's Note: The following article was written by Becky Glander. 

Experts say students lose more than 2 months of knowledge over the summer.

While summer vacation is a great time for both running around and relaxing, our kids' brains also need stimulation. A good plan is to "trick" them into learning by making it fun.

What ideas work for you and your family? Share your tips, and check out the suggestions below (as provided by a local teacher):

• Read a book together, maybe a classic. If there's a movie, watch it when you finish the book and compare.

• Practice basic facts. Make it a timed race so that it's fun. Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing lead to all other math concepts, so remembering them over vacation is important.

• Encourage your child to start a journal or become a photographer. Whether you are on vacation or just hanging out in the neighborhood, have your child write a paragraph about their photo or a scene outside. Check for grammar, a topic sentence and a concluding sentence.

• Keep your child up to date with the news. Give them current event quizes. 

• Give them an allowance for chores they do. Have them make a budget or save for something they really want.

• Have your child take care of something, like a plant or a garden.

• Limit TV, video games and computers. Encourage imagination. 

• Sing and make music. Look up old songs you used to know. Make drums and other noisemakers out of household items. 

• Teach your kids nursery rhymes and Pig Latin. Apparently both are becoming lost arts.

• Go to the library once a week. "What? You're 'bored'? Go read!" Encourage 20 minutes of reading each day.

• Harvest your vegetables or visit the local farmers' market. Then use your ingredients to cook together. Have your child do the measuring. 

Share your tips in the comments section below!