Welcome Summer!

As we welcome the summer break, it is important to keep our kids engaged in fun and educational activities. At HongDe Elementary, we believe learning does not have to stop when school is out. Here are some tips and activities to keep your child’s mind active and growing during the summer months.

Encourage Regular Reading

Reading is a wonderful way to keep kids’ minds sharp and imaginative. Encourage your children to set aside time each day for reading. Whether it’s their favorite book series or exploring new genres, the key is to make reading a fun and regular habit.

Visit Your Local Library

Local libraries are treasure troves of resources and activities. Many libraries offer summer reading programs, story times, and various events that can keep your child engaged. Participating in these events can help nurture a love for reading and learning.

Join Summer Reading Club at your local library!

Complete Reading Challenges

Set up reading challenges for your children to make reading more exciting. You can create a reading bingo card or set a goal for the number of books to read over the summer. Celebrate their achievements with small rewards to keep them motivated.

Here’s a Fun Summer Reading Challenge from HongDe Elementary!

You can download the complete rules of the challenge, along with the activity sheet and book tracker coloring sheet, in PDF format by clicking the link below:

HongDe Summer Reading Challenge

Continue Learning Chinese

Over the summer break, students can continue to enhance their Chinese language skills at home using the MyCT app. This interactive app allows students to listen to a virtual teacher’s reading and record their voice. The app compares the student’s voice with the teacher’s. It provides immediate feedback, helping students identify weaknesses and improve their pronunciation and fluency.

We encourage parents to utilize the MyCT app to facilitate their children’s Chinese learning at home. Students can review the topics they have learned and explore new materials in preparation for the upcoming school year. Find it on Mac App Store or Google Play.

Engage in Educational Activities

Play Family Board Games

Board games are not only fun but also great for developing critical thinking, strategy, and social skills. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Chess can be entertaining and educational, providing a perfect opportunity for family bonding.

Get Involved with Shopping

Involve your kids in creating the family shopping list and budget. This activity helps develop their analytical and mathematical skills. They can learn about planning, budgeting, and making smart purchasing decisions, turning a routine task into a valuable learning experience.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Go Outside and Play

Encourage your children to spend time outdoors. Whether playing in the park, riding bikes, or simply exploring nature, outdoor play is essential for physical health and mental well-being. It’s a great way for kids to burn off energy and stay active.

Attend Local Events

Many communities host summer events such as festivals, fairs, and outdoor concerts. Participating in these events can be a fun way for families to enjoy the summer while learning about local culture and community.

Here’s a few events to consider:

• 22nd Chinatown Festival 2024 – Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm, Keefer and Columbia Street. Learn more here.
• Sweet Sounds of Summer at VanDusen Botanical Garden – Sunday, July 14 and Sunday, August 18. Event details.
• Light Up Chinatown! 2024 – Saturday, August 24, 11am – 9pm and Sunday, August 25, 11am – 6pm. Facebook event page.

Participate in Library Events

Check your local library for summer programs and events. Libraries often offer a range of activities, from arts and crafts to science workshops, providing educational fun for kids of all ages.

Final Thoughts

Summer break is a wonderful time for kids to relax and have fun, and also an opportunity to continue learning in creative and engaging ways. By incorporating these activities into your summer plans, you can help your child stay intellectually active and ready for the new school year.

From all of us at HongDe Elementary, we wish you a joyful and enriching summer break!