Tips and Tools for Parents

Click on the buttons below for handy tips on a variety of ways to help your child at home.

Make the most of summer by having fun and learning too. Here are some simple, easy ideas that will reinforce what your children have been learning in school. There are also ways to learn different skills and try out new experiences.

• Introduce your children to outdoor games such as Freeze Tag, hopscotch, Frisbee and Simon Says. These are simple and fun ways for children to interact. They can also teach cooperation, listening skills and counting.
  
  
• In addition to wonderful books and resources, many libraries have summer programs geared to children of different ages. Ask the children's librarian for recommendations. You can visit your local library to see what is happening or visit their website.
  
  
• Today's museums have a new look; they are working hard to make displays that are accessible to kids. They also have special summer events. There are a variety of museums across the province to visit. Learn more by visiting: Guide to Ontario Museums.
  
  
• Family trips such as camping and visiting another city can be educational too. Visit local historical sites, take a nature walk or discover local events. Ask your children to look up travel information and research places of interest. A great place to start is www.ontariotravel.net.
  
  
• If you're taking a car trip, play games like I Spy or finding license plates from out-of-province cars. This will keep everyone entertained and make learning fun.
  
  
• Have your child keep a summer diary.  They don't have to use it everyday, just when they think they have something important to write. It is a great way for children to record their experiences and remember the things they have done over the summer. For younger children, have them draw pictures of summer activities they are enjoying to create a picture diary.
  
  
• Summer is a great time to take a stroll.  A walk can provide a chance to explore your part of the world together. Find out what's happening in your neighbourhood.
  
  
• If you're going to a local park for the splash pool or setting up a plastic pool in the yard, take along some measuring cups or other household items that can be used to measure weight or volume. In the sand box or on the beach, encourage children to write their names, do multiplication or draw pictures.
  
  
• If you have a garden or belong to a community garden, get children involved in planting. If you have a balcony, fill a couple of pots with soil and plant flowers or vegetables. Or fill an inexpensive window box with herbs or flowers. For more ideas visit Gardening with Kids.
  
  
• Creating clothing art can be fun for all ages. T-shirts and fabric paint and markers can be found at the dollar store and painting can be done with brushes, bits of sponge, rubber stamps, feathers, or marbles. Make your own shapes by cutting a potato in half and carving a design into it. Try writing numbers or words creatively, or create a design around a child's name.
  
  
• Don't let your sidewalk be wasted.  With a box of sidewalk chalk, you can create hours of fun.  Draw pictures, write words, play Tic Tac Toe.  You can also use water to write words and learn science by watching them evaporate.