A comprehensive summer school program for children ages 5 through 11 can be an exciting time of adventure where children learn skills and participate in activities that are outside the usual range of programs taught during the school year. If you have a child of primary school age, you can enroll them in a summer school program where they can continue to learn social skills and have fun with other children. Here are some activities that can be experienced by children in a comprehensive summer school program:

• Squiggle Fun - Children are asked to choose a partner and to sit together for a collaborative drawing session. Each child is given several pieces of paper and a range of colored pencils and markers. The teacher instructs the children to draw one simple shape on their paper. The teacher can demonstrate on a chalkboard that the shape is to be fast, simple, and not depict anything in particular. After each child draws a shape on their paper, they are asked to exchange drawings with their partner. The children are then asked to make a drawing out of the shape that their partner drew. They can use any colors that they like and completely fill up the paper with a drawing of a person, place, or thing. This activity teaches children to be creative, to see possible objects in abstract designs and shapes, and to share with their partner.  

• Smoothie Fun - The teacher prepares a table with plates filled with colorful fruits. Each child is given a cup and asked to fill their cup with whatever fruits they like. After the children have filled their cups, they proceed to one end of the table where the teacher asks them to choose a fruit juice. The teacher pours their chosen fruit juice into their cups and immediately blends their fruit and fruit juice in a blender and pours the resultant smoothie back into their cups. Each child is given a straw to enjoy their smoothie with their friends. Children are allowed to share their smoothies with each other. This activity teaches children to cooperate with each other in a queue as they pick their fruits and wait for their smoothie to be blended. It also teaches children to share with each other. 

• Field Trip Fun - Children are taken to a local museum or gallery to see an exhibition of artwork. The teacher tells the children about each of the paintings or pieces of sculpture that they see in the museum or gallery, including the name of the artist and the country where the artist live. After the museum or gallery tour, the children sit in a circle and tell each other what they liked about the art that they saw. They are then asked to describe a piece of art that they would like to make themselves. This activity teaches children how to pay attention, how to learn from what they see, and how to behave in a museum or gallery setting. It also teaches children that they can also make art. 

• Swimming Fun - Children are taken to a local pool where they are allowed to swim and play with each other in the water. The teacher shows the children how to tread water and use their hands and feet to propel themselves through the water. They are also taught never to run around the pool because it is slippery. Pool games are organized by the teacher such as tossing a beach ball to each other and swimming across the shallow end of the pool from one side to the other side. Prizes, such as beach balls and plastic necklaces are given to each child as they complete each game. These activities teach children how to keep their heads above water and learn the basics of how to swim. 

When you enroll your child in a comprehensive summer program, they can learn other activities that are tailored to the specific needs of the children in the program and the location where they attend class. The most important part of enrolling your child in summer school is to help them continue to learn social skills and interface with other students their age. These skills and activities are the foundations for a lifetime of learning and socializing within society.  

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