Keeping your kids on track academically over the summer and winter breaks may not always be easy, but it can really help kids continue to build key academic skills in between all the downtime fun. Here are some more detailed suggestions for learning activities broken down by subject and age.
Reading
Elementary School
Kids who can read should absolutely practice reading on their own, but it’s also nice to be read to. There are lots of great ways to enjoy books read aloud, including Story Time in Space, Storyline (dozens of books read by famous people).
Elementary & Middle School
Time magazine offers kid-appropriate articles for grades K-6; consider using these articles as jumping off points for discussions about what’s going on in our world. At the other end of the spectrum J-14 offers celebrity news for tweens—hey, at least they’re reading, right?
All Grade Levels
Readworks.org is driven by cognitive science research. ReadWorks creates world-class K-12 reading comprehension content, educational guidance, and integrated tools that improve student achievement.
Newsela publishes 10 new texts across genres and reading levels daily. All of the articles are authentic texts aligned with standards for ELA, science, and/or social studies and include reading comprehension questions.
Math
Elementary & Middle School
ST Math is a K-8 visual math program that builds a deep conceptual understanding of math through rigorous learning and creative problem solving. Prodigy math is another great resource frequently used by schools which engages students in math through games aligned with K-8 curriculum and standards. Zearn Math helps students make sense of math with on screen teachers and is used by 1 in 4 elementary school students and more than 1 million middle school students.
High School
Private Prep tutors routinely rely on AMC 10 math problems to push students to think creatively and strengthen their math skills. For more directed support, the Art of Problem Solving’s Alcumus problems allow students to practice all concepts from pre-algebra through pre-calculus with a free account.
Science
Elementary School
Mystery Science offers lessons and hands-on activities that are fully planned (with supply lists!) for grades K-5. Explore everything from meteorology to neuroscience.
Elementary & Middle School
BrainPOP (for grades 4-8) and BrainPOP Jr. (for grades K-3) offer engaging learning games, animated movies, and activities. These tools challenge students to reflect, make connections, and engage in deeper, curiosity-driven learning. Though BrainPOP is most well known for STEM education, it also addresses Social Studies, Reading/Writing, Health and Arts.
Most kids love learning about animals. Ranger Rick from the National Wildlife Federation offers games, jokes, articles, and art related to animals. Old standby National Geographic Kids has games, videos, quizzes, and articles for kids ages 6 and up.
Middle & High School
NASA has a full image library, and it’s awesome. We highly recommend taking a look.
Writing
All Grade Levels
Journal Buddies offers writing prompts organized by grade and topic for everyone, kindergarten through high school.
Cross-Curricular
All Grade Levels
Learn to type for free at the typing club. This web-based app offers a placement test and then a progressive set of interactive lessons to walk kids through learning type. If anyone is still picking away with two fingers, now’s a great time to learn this valuable skill.
Movement, Art, and Fun
Elementary
Fluency and Fitness provides a review of essential K-2 reading and math concepts while incorporating a movement break. GoNoodle is another teacher favorite for movement and is free all the time.
All Grade Levels
Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with museums from around the world to offer free virtual tours. Here’s a curated list of some of the most famous places to “visit” if the full list overwhelms you.
Looking for ways to get your child excited about learning this year? Our executive functioning coaches are always available to offer personalized expert guidance. Contact us or reach out to your Director of Client Services to set up a strategy session.
