For kids, summer seems like the perfect time of year. They get to spend time with their friends, go swimming, take trips with their family and just plain have fun. But the number one reason kids love summer? No school! All though it also can be a blessing to parents (no early mornings or hectic schedules) it can unfortunately be harmful to their education. Many kids experience the summer slide…they experience learning loss and “slide” backwards. At the beginning of the school year, they are already behind.
I received a Nextbook Flex 11 in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
Fortunately, taking a bit of time away from crazy fun, and putting it towards learning can help make the summer slide a summer gain!
Take a trip to a local museum – A museum is a great place for learning, check out what’s available near you. We have a really great Science museum in town. My kids love to explore all the exhibits and visit their favorites. When we leave we always have a discussion about what they learned that was new. I’m always amazed what even my younger kids understand and remember.
Write – Take a moment for writing. My daughter’s 2nd grade teacher gave each of her students a small notebook. She told them if the filled up almost all of it with paragraphs or stories, she would buy them each a popsicle every Friday for the first month of school. What fun motivation to get writing! You could do the same with your children and perhaps another summer treat.
Library Trips – The library is the perfect place for preventing the Summer Slide. Libraries have summer reading programs to encourage children to read. Libraries can also suggest books for your kids, even up to high school level. And the best part is, it’s free!
Science Camps/Classes – Many areas have summer camps specifically aimed towards science and math. These camps can be amazing fun for kids, combining their love of neat things like robots and space, with the actual science behind it. If nothing is available in your area, create experiments at home. No kid can resist a volcano!
Online Classes – For High School students, the summer can mean a jump start. Many districts have online classes available in the summer months. They can complete a credit, and leave a credit available during the regular school year for something fun, or for another core subject allowing an easier schedule their senior year. It’s much easier to continue high level learning in subjects such as math, if they never take a break from it.
Computer/Online Games – Since Summer can also mean scorching temps, sometimes you need a bit of a break. There are great computer games or apps available to help keep your child thinking. They get the screen time they are craving, but spend it in a good way!
The Nextbook Flexx 11 is a great addition to an family needing help preventing the summer slide. Featuring a Windows 8.1 operating system (that is upgradable to Windows 10 at it’s release later this year) which means it supports Office 365 Personal, which includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, making it the best bang for your buck. it’s 2.0 megapixel front and rear cameras with integrated microphone perfect for staying in touch with everyone. The Pogo keyboard is removable..you get a laptop and a tablet all in one!
The Nextbook Flexx 11 is one of the coolest little computers out there. When my son found out he needed to make up additional credits in High School (he’s always struggled with school, but he’s trying!) I needed to make sure he had something reliable to access the internet for class, stream video and create documents.
Nextbook Flexx 11 has gone above and beyond what he needed. Teenage boys are of few words, but he did tell me “Mom, I love my laptop.” That says so much! With a little more probing, he said it’s perfect for everything he needs. He has no problem streaming videos from his teacher or chatting with his friends. He loves being able to listen to music while he studies, right from his tablet!
Thomas Murphy
Sunday 28th of June 2015
I would love to win this! Thanks for the giveaway.
Jill Rivera
Sunday 28th of June 2015
I love tablet my original kindle die, I wonder how this compare to the kindle.
Betsy Barnes
Sunday 28th of June 2015
I love that the Nextbook Flexx 11 is a 2 in 1. It would come in handy when traveling and running errands. My hubby and son would love this for streaming movies too. :)
Sarah Elyce
Sunday 28th of June 2015
Our daughter is only 8 months so she is happy with nature walks for now, and general playing outside. These are great ideas as she grows older and needs more entertainment and stimulation.
Susan Christy
Saturday 27th of June 2015
I'd love something with a bigger screen than my phone to take out to the patio.