March/April, 2008 FORUM Article

 Highlighted Resources:
• Mediation: A Guide for Parents

Summer Enrichment Suggestions

As summer approaches, it is not uncommon for parents to wonder what they can do to provide an environment at home that is enriched with learning and discovery activities. Fortunately, the internet provides parents with unfettered access to many resources. For parents who do not have internet access at home, public libraries provide free internet access.

Although many of the things you already do are contributing to your child's learning in the home -- reading, writing, singing, storytelling, game playing -- and in the community -- trips to museums and zoos and cultural events -- wouldn't it be great to combine these two experiences, meaning bringing the museum or the cultural event into your home?

Many museums have online exhibits or programs that students can experience from home. The Smithsonian, for example, has many different activities on their website for exploring other cultures and their traditions. You and your child can learn together and from each other during your free time at home. The Smithsonian web site is: http://folklife.si.edu/explore/online_exhibitions.html.