Counselor's Corner - 5.24.2022

5/17/2022 8:32 am

In just a matter of days, the kids will be on summer break! Have a great break and try some of these ideas for fun!

1. Have screen-free summer days 

There are so many things to do in Columbus over the summer! Take a break from your devices and go explore! Things to do and places to visit:

  • Franklin Park Conservatory – The conservatory has classes and programs throughout the summer.

  • The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Visit the zoo to see all of the new animals born over the winter!

  • COSI - The Center of Science and Industry always has different events and exhibits - sign up for their e-newsletter to get all the info!

  • Festivals and events: Columbus Asian Festival (May 28-29, virtual), Columbus Arts Festival (June 10-12), Red, White, and BOOM (July 1), and The Ohio State Fair (July 27-August 7) are just a few of our favorites! For more, visit experiencecolumbus.com.

  • Play outside! Summer is a great time to spend time outdoors and get some exercise. Kids can play in their neighborhoods, a local park, or one of the beautiful free metro parks! Check out the natural play area at Highbanks Metro Park, or find one close to you at http://www.metroparks.net.

  • Too hot to play outside? Visit COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, or take a free trip to the Statehouse.

  • Stratford Ecological Center – The ecological center runs all kinds of programs all summer long from beekeeping to book talks. Find out more about the center and their programs at https://stratfordecologicalcenter.org

  • Technology tip – When kids do use their devices, it’s important to consider age restrictions on social media. This article (from 2014) explains why social media age restrictions matter.

  • The Upper Arlington, Columbus Metropolitan and other libraries around town offer free, fun and educational programming.

2. Be safe

Summer is a great time to play outside or in the pool! Have fun while staying safe!

  • There should always be an adult watching when kids are in or around water. 

  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket if you go boating.

  • Beat the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. On hot days, schedule outdoor activities during morning and evening hours.

  • Prevent sunburns: Cover up your skin and use sunscreen every time you go outside.

  • Use bug spray and check for ticks when spending time outdoors.

 

3. Learn a new skill

Do you have a lot of free time during the day that you would normally spend at school? Why not learn a new skill! Learning new skills is fun! Some can even help you relax once the school year begins again.

  • Learn to cook: Ask family members to teach you their favorite recipes, or look one up together!

  • Get artistic. Summer gives us beautiful scenes to draw or paint! Look outdoors for inspiration, and draw or paint what you see. Or use a device or camera to take pictures!

  • Music: Do you have an instrument in your house? Ask your grownups for permission to look up lessons on YouTube and start creating music!

  • Help your family around the house. As kids get older, they can handle more responsibility around the house. Summer could be a great time to learn how to help! Learn the dog walking route or how to help clean the kitchen.

  • Learn a new language. Did you know that kids are better at learning new languages than adults? Now is the perfect time to learn! Ask someone who speaks another language to teach you, or use an app with your grownups’ permission. Here are some app suggestions: https://elearningindustry.com/10-best-language-learning-apps-for-kids

  • Get crafty. There are so many crafts you could make in the summer! Check out these flowers you can make out of toilet paper rolls: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/paper-roll-daffodils/

4. Have fun!

 

We hope you have a fun and relaxing summer! Taking time for fun and play is important for your health and wellbeing. It will also help you start next school year as your best self. We can’t wait to hear about everything you do and learn over the summer!



Please do not hesitate to contact the members of the Wickliffe counseling team if you have any questions or concerns!

 

Felice R. Kassoy
 

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