Toys and Games to Prevent the Summer Slide and Learn New Skills

We all know that 2-3 months is a long time to go without learning new things or practicing old things. Our kids' brains are growing, and we want to keep up the educational momentum, but its SUMMER! Summer means water play, popsicles, staying up late and all things outdoors and fun. Kids are not going to be ecstatic about doing worksheets over break, at least not everyday, especially as they get older. And, I don't want to be the mom that makes them do "school work" over summer. That being said, there are so many ways for kids to learn besides pencil and paper. Here are some great, fun ways to have your children brush up on skills or learn anew! Many of these I have personally used with my kids or are planning to purchase. A couple of these my kids are getting as gifts on their last day of school. These ideas are somewhat in order from ages preschool to older elementary/middle school. Of course, this list is in addition to READ, READ, READ!

All recommendations are 100% my own, based on my own experience and research as a mother. (I am not a teacher. My degrees are in Political Science and Jurisprudence.) I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I may earn a small commission on links from Amazon.

Alphabet Recognition

Alphabet Writing

Alphabet Sounds

Number Recognition and Counting

Adding/Subtraction/Place Value

Sight Words

Telling Time

Tying Shoes

Spelling/Phonics

Multiplication/Division

Counting Money

Fractions

Geography

STEM

Vocabulary

4th/5th Grade and Older (See boxes for suggested age.)

I hope everyone has a wonderful fun-filled summer. And, if you have any summer learning tool suggestions leave them in the comments!

Dragon Mama