IN Millcreek Summer 2017 | Page 10

INDUSTRY INSIGHT CHILDREN SPONSORED CONTENT Visit the Children’s Museum This Summer to Prevent the Summer Slide I t’s almost time for summer vacation and although we all love a break from the school routine and homework, there is something happening to kids… The summer slide occurs when children lose some of the academic skills they gained during the school year due to the absence or scarcity of learning activities during summer vacation. To succeed academically, children need continuous opportunities to acquire new skills and practice existing ones. When we think of the summer months, we think of a happy, carefree time when children can have fun and unwind. But we forget about the potential learning opportunities that can engage our children. To make sure that your students do not experience the summer slide, here are some suggestions: 1. Sign up for Summer Camp – There are so many wonderful camp programs in our community. The Children’s Museum offers Kids in the Kitchen, Mad Scientist, Outdoor Explorer and Fairytale Camp just to name a few! These camps feature a variety of play- to-learn activities and sneak in science, math, reading and more without the kids even knowing! 2. Learn Locally – Visit a local museum like the Maritime Museum, Erie Art Museum, Firefighters Museum, Erie County Historical Society and, of course, the Children’s Museum. 3. Keep a Journal – Children can keep a summer diary of activities, stories and drawings that they create on their own. 4. Visit the Local Library – Participate in the library’s summer reading program! And last, but not least… 5. Visit the Children’s Museum! New this year, the museum is hosting Discovery Fridays. Beginning June 9 and running every Friday until August 25 from 10:30-11:30, the Children’s Museum will feature a performer and activity suitable for kids ages 10 and under. Admission is just $5 per person on Discovery Fridays and includes general museum admission. The museum features over 50 hands-on, play- to-learn exhibits and is the perfect spot for kids to create, imagine, explore and PLAY! The expERIEnce Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Every third Thursday, the museum is open until 7 p.m. Visit eriechildrensmuseum.org for information on admission, events, camps and more! 420 French Street | Erie, PA | (814) 453-3743 | eriechildrensmuseum.org 8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Millcreek