ing for pleasure and recommends families read together during the summer and check out books from the library. “I always tell my families here at Sylvan that summer is a good time to read for pleasure—that it’s not all school-related,” she adds. The act of reading—or rather, consuming—material has expanded. There are audiobooks and graphic novels, for instance. Many movies are adapted from books or graphic novels, and Swensen says parents should encourage their children to read first and then compare the written version to what they watched on screen. Going a step further and comparing print and video versions in writing can build on communication skills. Kids don’t have to read for long periods; Swensen and Fausto recommend 20 minutes a day. Even short stints expand vocabulary, improve reading comprehension and writing skills. It has long been observed that many middle and high school students struggle with basic math. Swensen suggests sending teens to the store to practice math skills while shopping (what can they afford on a certain budget?). Baseball statistics is another way to make working with numbers easier, while strengthening the fundamentals of multiplication and division. “When kids are younger, they want to spend that time with their parents,” Swensen notes. Summer is an excellent time to incorporate learning while playing, especially if done in short periods of 10 to 20 minutes. “You can slowly build in more time,” Swensen adds. That time can extend beyond summer, as well. Finally, outdoor activities can be turned into educational opportunities. Fausto points out, for instance, that a hike can easily become a lesson in Earth sciences, looking at different types of trees, leaves and insects. “In addition to computer activities,” Fausto says, “We want kids to focus on non-screen activities.” That, of course, is what summer is for. 28 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® FAMILY 2023-2024 680 Belden St., Monterey trinityhigh.org WHEN TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN, EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE. ENROLL NOW! GRADES 6-12 REGISTER ONLINE We live, learn and serve in the Christian Community. We glorify God. We partner with families. TRINITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL (831) 656-9434 trinity-christian_1-3s_FG21_gk.indd 1 4/12/23 5:48 PM s Inc. of the Central Coast * 318 Cayuga St., Suite 209, Salinas, CA 93901 * 831-772-0882 * www.girlsinccc.org art Choices is a summer program for 8th and 9th Graders to p participants make positive life choices about school, ationships, and health! BOUT SMART CHOICES ROGRAM DETAILS & LOCATION Stay in the dorms on campus at a local university. xplore the university campus and get a feel for college life. earn about college requirements and how to get a head start. njoy fun activities! Meet participants from other schools in Monterey, San Benito, nd Santa Cruz Counties. CTIVITIES INCLUDE gram Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA gram Dates: June 27 - July 1, 2023 gram Fee: $300* (fee covers room and board, food, & terials) *Scholarships available SMART CHOICES Summer Camp 2023 Friday, April 28, 2023 APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE AT: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/SMARTCHOICES2023 SMART CHOICES Summer Camp 2023 Girls Inc. of the Central Coast 318 Cayuga St., Suite 209, Salinas 831-772-0882 • www.girlsinccc.org Smart Choices is a summer program for 8th and 9th Graders to help participants make positive life choices about school, relationships, and health! Participants will stay in the dorms at a local university, get a feel for college life, learn about college requirements and meet other participants. Program Details & Location UC Santa Cruz • June 27-July 1, 2023 • $300* (fee covers room and board, food, & materials) *Scholarships available Application Deadline: Friday, April 28, 2023 Apply online at: TinyURL.com/SmartChoices2023 Girls-Inc_1-3s_FG23_kb.indd 1 4/7/23 11:01 AM
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