{plugged in}

Fun, Free Ways to
Keep Kids Sharp through Summer

By Sharon Miller Cindrich

Q: My kids have spent lots of time playing during summer vacation, but I’m concerned that their academic skills are slipping. Are there any good computer programs or Web sites to help kids keep their skills sharp over the summer?

This column is not nearly long enough to list the hundreds of great educational programs available for kids that are not only fun – but FREE! Using tech programs to reinforce writing, math and reading skills this summer will help kids be prepared this fall. Ask your kids' teachers about programs they might recommend, and check out the following picks – most are free or offer a trial demo before you purchase:

REINFORCE READING
When kids sign up for the Sacramento Public Library's Summer Reading Program, they get a game sheet, a bookmark listing all the programs at your library and a magnetic bookmark. The game sheet has a picture of an artist’s paint palette and a selection of 30 activities that you can do in the library or at home. Every time your child does one of the creative activities, he can color in one of the paint spots on the palette. After all ten spots are finished, kids can enter into a drawing for prizes! The Internet Public Library’s Kidspace offers a reading zone for kids to read books online and learn more about their favorite authors. Early learners can also find fun reading games at Starfall.com, and Funbrain.com offers games for kids on reading, spelling and even math.

MAKE MATH FUN
Kaboose.com features math games for kids as young as 3 years old in their Games section. Math Playground.com features fun games on everything from money to algebra for elementary and middle school students. A weekly Brain Teaser is posted each week for grades 3rd-8th at www.eduplace.com/math/brain/.

REVIEW WRITING SKILLS
Parents can find printable practice sheets for young children learning to print and write cursive at ABCteach or encourage bigger kids to write a weekly e-mail to Gramma and Grandpa. Famster.com offer safety features that make blogging family-friendly. Kids in grades 3rd-8th will enjoy the free writing program offered by Goosebumps’ author R.L. Stein at TheNightmareRoom.com.

TRY A TYPING PROGRAM
Typing is one of those skills often not covered enough during the school year, yet a little practice this summer can really boost academic productivity during the school year. Many programs are specially created with kids in mind. Try Captain Keyboard Typing Tutor - a free demo is available at Zoogma.com.

Sharon Miller Cindrich is a mother of two and the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with your Tech-Savvy Kids. www.SharonMillerCindrich.com