How to Plan an Educational Summer Vacation
Don’t settle for another trip to Disney this summer – consider a fun trip full of learning activities for the whole family.
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You Will Need
- Travel books
- Brochures
- Internet access
- Maps
Steps
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Step 1
Involve the kids in the planning
Ask your children what special things they want to do on vacation. Write down their ideas and let them know that their enjoyment is a main reason for taking a vacation.
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Step 2
Involve resources
Incorporate travel books, brochures, the internet, and maps to give your children a visual of places to visit. Reviewing the media is educational in itself.
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Step 3
Mix education and fun
Choose a destination that balances educational adventures and fun.
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Visit a destination they learned about in school the previous year, or one they will learn about the next year, to build on their knowledge.
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Step 4
Do educational things
Be sure to visit museums and culturally significant sites. Review daily activities and discuss new things they learned, or you learned, in casual conversation.
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Don’t tell the kids they are learning or give them homework; it is a vacation and should be treated as such.
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Step 5
Take pictures
Take pictures along the way and review them after returning home.
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Step 6
Think about yourself
Satisfy your own vacation needs. Schedule time to relax, read a book, or enjoy a nice dinner.
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About 3,000 U.S. schools have embraced the full-year calendar and shortened summer vacation to July only.
