We have entered the summer holidays! Although it may feel daunting to think about what your children can do for the next couple months before returning to education, there are still many projects and competitions going ahead over the summer for kids to enjoy whilst inspiring their learning. By introducing your child to a project at the beginning of the summer, you are giving them a sense of purpose, achievement and excitement to keep them occupied before returning to education, each project can take up as little or as much time as suits your family’s routine and adds a sense of structure to the seemingly endless summer!
1. The one to help their reading: Summer Reading Challenge
Founded in 1999, the Summer Reading Challenge is a well-loved staple British summertime activity for any budding reader. The Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to enjoy the benefits of reading over the summer holidays, providing enjoyment and encouragement through a programme topped with rewards, games and badges whilst giving them the opportunity to discover brilliant books to read this summer.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is celebrating funny books, happiness and laughter. Children taking part in the Challenge will join the ‘Silly Squad’, a team of animals who love to have a laugh and read all different kinds of funny books, hoping to bring some light to their summer at home.
2. The one to get them running around: Blue Peter Summer 2020 Sports Badge
Children can earn the limited edition Summer 2020 Sports Badge by taking up a new way of getting active. This could be a new skill like skipping or football tricks, garden obstacle courses or a new style of dance - it just must be something new! After starting their activity, simply send their application form via the post with a picture of them trying their new activity for a few weeks and what they have learned, and they can receive their very own sports badge. Designed to encourage children to get active again since schools have been closed, this is a great opportunity to get your little ones’ trainers on and head outside to, whilst earning a Blue Peter badge as either an addition or beginning of your child’s collection!
3. The one for young climate protectors: WWF Green Ambassadors badge
The WWF Green Ambassadors 4 Youth scheme is a fantastic new badge scheme that engages young people and encourages them to be informed on topical environmental issues and help protect the planet. The programme is developed around six topical issues, each one fronted by a friendly character - Crush (waste), Switch (energy), Tap (water), Smith (food), Leafy (plants and animals), and Wheel (transport) - who guide children along their journey. The programme offers resources to complete the activities which are primarily aimed at 5-14 year olds. There are seven Green Ambassador badges to collect, including the extra special VIP badge. You can also complete activities to gain the One Planet Future badge, which has activities around safeguarding nature and tackling climate change.
4. The one for young scientists Crest Award
The Crest Award is for those with a budding interest in science or engineering, and is a great opportunity over the summer months to continue inspiring children’s interest in these topics. Crest designed the Star and SuperStar levels for children typically aged 5-7 and 7-11 years respectively, designed to be easy-to-run and low-cost. Children gain the Crest Award by completing eight challenges, the registration for which is £1 per child. Crest is a recognised award which shows children can complete their own hands-on science activities, and is a brilliant opportunity to provide the science projects they have been missing since being out of school.
5. The one for the whole family John Muir Family Award
This is a summer project for the whole family, as the the John Muir project focuses on people of all ages discovering, exploring and conserving areas of nature.The John Muir Family Award is an opportunity for families to work towards a shared goal, helping improve intergenerational relationships, boost confidence and to enjoy spending time together outdoors. There are 4 stages to this award: Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share, requiring families to discover a wild place near them, explore it, take some personal responsibility to conserve it, and share with the programme what you have achieved. When you finish the award you receive a John Muir Award certificate. The John Muir Family Award continues to support people to connect with the special qualities of National Parks during COVID 19 by creating remote opportunities which are still framed around the 4 Challenges of the Award, so you can still enjoy the challenge near home!
6. The one for their writing journey The Love Writing Academy Monthly Subscription Ages 3-6
This project is designed to give children who struggle with writing or who simply don’t enjoy it an opportunity to learn to love writing through a fun journey where their hand is held by our friendly animal characters at the Love Writing Academy. Our monthly subscription pack is designed to help children ages 3-6 develop their writing skills and boost their confidence along the way. For £6.49 per month including free UK postage, we will post 20 handwriting sheets along with 20 free downloadable worksheets and a phonics guide when you subscribe. The packs include over 60 engaging activities, 24 reward stickers and certificates to celebrate your child’s successes and improvements in their writing. Sign up by the 7th of August to receive your child’s first pack to start their summer writing journey this year.
Keep an eye out for our next blog post discussing tips on how the whole family can get involved in a child’s learning journey.