Summer slump/slide is a real thing, and research has been done and continues to be done that shows that children can lose between 2-3 months of proficiency, and that can add up as their schooling goes on, and they continue to slide through the summer months. But, parents can help prevent the summer slide with their kids, not just by having them read, but also do fun activities, including workbooks through the summer break, to help retain knowledge learned during the school year. This will make returning to school in the fall easier for your kids, as they will still be in the "school mindset" even though you made learning fun through summer reading programs at nearby libraries that offer rewards/incentives for reading, as well as programs and workbooks that offer substance and great content that make learning a fun experience for kids.
This summer, I am giving my girls a little break from our homeschooling. Usually we homeschool year round, and I do a little review over the summer months, before diving into the new school year in early August. But, the girls asked for the summer to do more camps and programs, as well as read all the books they want to count towards our library's summer reading program. I told them that they could do this, if they also do a few workbooks over the next couple months. At first, they rolled their eyes at me when they heard "workbooks" as they thought they were getting a break from learning. But, I told them that these were not like the workbooks we use in our homeschooling. Instead, they were workbooks that would have them learning through play. This idea of "learn through play" intrigued the girls, and they wanted to see the workbooks I was talking about.
I showed the girls the two TinkerActive workbooks I was recently sent from Odd Dot, to review. I was sent their Grade 2 Math and Science workbooks. And, even though my girls just wrapped 4th grade, I knew they would still love these workbooks, as they would be fun refreshers in double digit math, counting to 1,000, time and money and so much more. These workbooks really are jam packed, and I was amazed at what each of the workbooks cover.
"With TinkerActive Workbooks, learning leaps off the page and into the real world! Each workbook covers essential math and science concepts while encouraging your child to tinker, make, and engineer. All books are aligned to Common Core State Standards."
Here is more about the new TinkerActive Workbooks from Odd Dot, which released back in May, just in time for parents to pick up and share with their kids to prevent summer slide, as well as prepare them for the next grade they will be entering in the fall.
"TinkerActive workbooks are a brand new series that combine curriculum-based exercises with project-based learning, out-of-the-book play, and a tactile reward in the form of a merit badge to be unboxed upon completion. The cast of lovable characters model tinkering, maker, and engineering projects, all of which are proven to help kids learn and retain information while still having fun!
Play-based learning, project-based learning, and tinkering have proven educational benefits (in addition to being fun) [citation]. Teachers and parents are hungry for quality products in this category [citation] TinkerActive workbooks are designed so that every few minutes kids are doing activities that get them up and away from the books themselves.
TinkerActive will be starting as a series of workbooks with kindergarten, first, and second grade math and science launching on May 14, 2019 and then kindergarten, first, and second grade English launching on December 31, 2019.
TINKERACTIVE WORKBOOKS | Odd Dot | On sale May 14, 2019
128 pages | 7.5” X 10.75” | $12.99
Discussions are underway about expanding to other products, including everything from flashcards to educational games, toys, kits and beyond! The goal is to make Tinkeractive as recognizable as Highlights magazine and as beloved as Lego.
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What I really like about these workbooks is how they have kids learning through play and hands on learning. Kids will be encouraged to try new things, think outside the box to solve a problem, and think of all the different possibilities to come up with an answer. Along the way, kids will learn and hone their STEM knowledge and skills, all while having fun learning through play! These workbooks are really a win-win for both kids and parents this summer, and well worth the $12.99 they retail for each. Once you check out these workbooks in person, you will agree with me that the $12.99 price tag is a steal for all the amazing educational content that these workbooks cover.
I have only checked out the math and science workbooks for grade 2, but was blown away with all the topics covered. And, the best part next to how kids will learn and review skills (all that align with common-core state standards), is that kids will be rewarded with a secret magnetic merit badge at the end of the book. Kids will want to collect all the badges, which will make incorporating TinkerActive books into their year-round schooling welcoming for kids.
My girls really enjoyed these workbooks, and I hope they come out with higher grade workbooks so that parents with children in 4+ grades can benefit from these well put together educational workbooks. I can't wait to pick up their Grade 2 English workbook to look at and share with my girls, as well as pick up some workbooks to share with my niece and nephews. I know they will have the same reaction as my girls with "Oh, not another workbook -- it is summer!"...but, once they flip through the pages of these workbooks and hear my girls rave about them and how much fun they are, I know they will want to dive right in, in order to earn their secret merit badges, too...learning through play, and having fun doing it!
If you are looking for workbooks to share with your kids, and they are in grades K-3, then you will definitely want to check out the new TinkerActive workbooks from Odd Dot. I can't say enough about them, and I have used countless workbooks over the past 5 years of homeschool...and, these really surpassed summer workbooks I have used in the past for review. They truly are very well done!
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More About TinkerActive Workbooks:
Each workbook starts with interactive and entertaining exercises that cover the essential math, science, and problem-solving skills. Then, apply what you’ve learned with exciting hands-on tinkering, making, and engineering activities that utilize common household materials and encourage kids to learn through play. Packed with curriculum-based exercises designed for all learners (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), TinkerActive Workbooks offer plenty of practice with at least 8 dynamic pages on each key concept. Plus, the charming and clever citizens of TinkerTown, the MotMots, guide kids through every new concept with cheer and humor.
Vetted by award-winning educators, TinkerActive Workbooks are an excellent supplement to schoolwork or at-home study, and each book is aligned to Common Core State Standards. TinkerActive Workbooks are designed to build your child’s fundamental math and science skills AND inspire them to try new things, discover new skills, and imagine new possibilities—a surefire way to encourage their love of learning.
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About the Odd Dot:
Odd Dot is a publisher of nonfiction books with innovative formats for kids of all ages, with lists that range from STEM-oriented workbooks, to board books with wheels, and beyond. Combining fun and delightful artists with expert, knowledgeable, and creative authors allows Odd Dot to make joyful books for curious minds. You can learn more about the imprint’s lists on www.odddot.com or by following along on social media @odddotbooks.
About Macmillan:
Macmillan Publishers is a global trade book publishing company with prominent imprints around the world. Macmillan publishes a broad range of award-winning books for children and adults in all categories and formats. U.S. publishers include Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Flatiron Books, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Picador, St. Martin’s Press, and Tor Books. In the UK, Australia, India, and South Africa, Macmillan publishes under the Pan Macmillan name. The German company, Holtzbrinck Deutsche Buchverlage, includes among its imprints, S. Fischer, Kiepenheuer and Witsch, Rowohlt, and Droemer Knaur. Macmillan Publishers is a division of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large, family-owned media company headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
These look super cute and fun for the kids to have during the summer months to promote reading and math.
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