Summer brain drain?

School is out, summer is here! But that doesn’t mean your kids should stop learning.

According to the National Summer Learning Association, kids not involved in meaningful summer activities lose learning skills.

Harris Cooper, professor of psychological sciences at the University of Missouri, estimates that summer loss for all students equals about one month on a grade-level equivalent scale in all subjects, and 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in math.

Alexandria Community Education aims to help families keep children engaged in productive and meaningful activities that promote learning and summer fun.

Community Education’s Summer Times brochure includes a full list of classes, camps, “miniversities” and theater opportunities.

A new activity is the Summer 5th-7th Grade Club. With financial help from United Way, this unique activity is offered to students at a low cost. It is a safe, fun and enriching program for middle level students who often feel they are too old for a babysitter but get bored easily or want social time with friends.

Due to the economic downturn, many families are choosing not to send children to any type of care as a necessary cost savings. Children this age may spend up to 40 or more hours a week in an unsupervised setting while parents work.

This program bridges that gap for six weeks. Students can participate in special events, field trips, academics, recreation, fitness, service/volunteerism, leadership, career building, technology, cooking and crafts.

The program allows flexibility for busy schedules.

Following are a few of the other enrichment opportunities Community Education has to offer. Visit the website www.alexandria.k12.mn.us/ceyouth for more opportunities.

WEEK OF JUNE 13

Spanish Immersion Week (Grades 3-6): Experience Hispanic culture and the Spanish language through fun interactive activities and mini field trips.

Youth Golf (Ages 8-15): Learn this life-long game in the great outdoors.

Fun With Food (Grades 1-4 & 5-8): Decadent desserts, summer specialties, healthy creations, and candy land are all on the menu for this week.

WEEK OF JUNE 20

Become an official “Nature Expert” (Grades 4-7): Visit three Minnesota State Parks! Learn about the parks and earn the official Nature Expert badge, signifying your knowledge of the landscapes of Minnesota.

Alternative Energy (Grades 5-9): Learn about wind and water energy creation through kits provided by a 3M Grant.

Individual Voice, Guitar or Drawing Lessons (Grades 1-12): Gain some valuable tips on any of these great hobbies.

Magic Camp (Grades 4-7): Professional entertainer Brian Richards will lead the way to learning and fun.

WEEK OF JUNE 27

Paint with Watercolor (Grades 5-8): Learn watercolor painting techniques.

Digital Photography (Grades 1-4): Includes a basic digital camera and software program to download photos to a computer.

Summer Sewing (Grades 3-6): Learn to sew and make your own pajama pants.

WEEK OF JULY 11

Creative Thinking and Writing Camp (Grades 1-4 & 5-8): Use your imagination and practice specific techniques for increasing your creativity and writing skills.

Robotics & Technology Camp (Grades 4-8): Students will explore various robotic, mechanical and technology kits. 3M is providing some of the kits.

WEEK OF JULY 18

Kitchen Chemistry (Grades 5-8): Learn about chemical reactions in the kitchen when mixing items to create favorite foods.

Prairie Fire: Alice in Wonderland (Grades 3-12): Auditions Monday from 9-11 a.m. at Discovery Middle School. Rehearse all week, then give performances Friday at 6 and 8 p.m.

WEEK OF JULY 25

Totally Twisted Teapots (Grades 4-7): Use your creativity to mold and create handmade clay teapots. Taught by instructors from the Northern Clay Center in the Twin Cities.

Lego Builders (Grades 4-8): This class will teach the principles of machines and mechanisms. Lego kits provided by 3M.

Woodworking, Making Musical Creations (Grades 3-6 with Adult): Enjoy a unique and creative activity together with a parent, grandparent or older adult. Example of instruments include Thumb Piano, Strumbly or Reverie Harp.

Firearm Safety Training Class (Age 11 and older): Earn your DNR Firearms Certification.

WEEK OF AUGUST 1

Creative Creations (Grades 2-6): Make original pieces of art using flowerpots, fabrics, paints and more.

Young Inventor (Grades 4-8): Learn about the invention process; use your creativity to invent solutions to every day issues.

WEEK OF AUGUST 8

Pioneer Days (Grades 1-6): Picture how life must have been 100 years ago. Become a pioneer and travel to the “olden days.” Visit the Runestone Museum and the Douglas County Historical Society.

Music Fun! Homemade Style! (Grades 1-4): Create musical instruments using wood, cardboard, plastic, metal or glass.

WEEK OF AUGUST 15

Cake & Ice Cream…From Scratch! (Grades 3-7): Churn your own butter, make homemade ice cream, decorate and eat.

Career Exploration (Grades 5-8): Explore a variety of career options and learn what your typical day would be like in various professions. You will be guided in areas that suit your interests and strengths.

WEEK OF AUGUST 22

Canning classes: Pickles and Applesauce (Grades 5-9): Learning the art of canning is fun and economical. You can bring a jar or two home to your family.

Summer Book Adventure (Grades 3-6): Do you have a favorite author? Enjoy group discussions, learn new words, draw pictures related to the stories and more.

Spelling Slash & Math Dash (Grades 1-3): Go on word hunts through books and write stories and plays as a group. During the second hour, dash through time to learn new math skills and practice old ones.

FOR MORE

INFORMATION

Call (320) 762-3310 or stop by Community Education, 1410 South McKay Avenue Suite 201 in Alexandria.

The Summer Times brochure can be viewed online at www.alexandria.k12.mn.us/ceyouth, click “Opportunities for Youth.”

Register for classes online at www.alexandria.thatscommunityed. com.

Tags: life, education, children