Summer has arrived, and while it’s a time for rest and a break from school, you can also keep the learning going through fun, hands-on activities. For single dads, balancing work, parenting and educational activities can feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to teach your children is through active learning because it doesn’t require rigid schedules, costs next to nothing and is also fun. 

Whether you have sole custody or are co-parenting, you can make active learning a fun way to keep your child curious and busy even while on summer break.  

What Is Active Learning?

Active learning is designed to encourage kids to engage with the educational process. It requires them to listen attentively, understand the activity and respond thoughtfully, enhancing communication and relationships. Children will participate in various activities centered on talking, writing, problem-solving or reflecting.

Active learning includes a range of teaching strategies that encourage kids to become active participants in education, even when on break from school. Approaches can range from simple activities like journal writing, problem-solving and discussions to more involved processes like role-playing. Singing and dancing, painting and drawing, and engaging in lively debates are all examples of active learning in action. 

Start With Curiosity Before Curriculum

To foster curiosity, ask open-ended questions and avoid being judgmental about the answer. Guide your child toward the correct responses, encouraging them to think beyond the surface. As kids think critically, you’re indirectly teaching them to solve problems in a fun and interactive way. 

Children enjoy learning when you target their curiosity and encourage them to explore topics they genuinely enjoy. Instead of taking a curriculum stance, ask your child what they want to learn about. You’ll understand them better, discover what they enjoy doing and figure out how to keep them occupied while learning. 

Create activities around those topics and make learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. If you have time, practice active learning with your child. Try to connect through outdoor activities like gardening and nature walks. You can engage in fun activities, like examining insects or measuring their shadow at different times of the day, and they’ll be learning without realizing it.

Turn Daily Moments Into a Learning Experience

You’re already doing things like cooking, shopping and fixing things around the house, so turn them into mini-lessons. Including your child in everyday chores is a fun and easy way to bond. For example, ask your child to read the recipe and help out when you’re cooking. You can also use questions like, “What did the recipe say about how much sugar we need?” Your child will pay closer attention because they know you need their help. 

Bonding time with your children is as important as working and finishing all your chores. Connecting over a movie helps you destress and encourages active learning by allowing you to pay attention to what’s happening in the film and discuss it afterward. You can also ask open-ended questions about what you’ve seen and use movie time to reward your child for good behavior.

Another idea is to embrace the 10-minute rule. Tell your child which part of the house to clean, and give yourselves 10 minutes to tidy up that section. You’ll teach your child to appreciate small wins and take responsibility for the mess in the house without feeling like they spent the entire day doing chores. 

Explore Local Attractions

Exploring local attractions is a great way to engage in active learning because you’re focused on learning more about the place, its history and future plans. Take your child to museums, the zoo, libraries and other historical sites where they can soak up knowledge. 

Visiting points of interest can be pricey, so look for discounts or places that have free entry. Exploring local attractions gives your child something to think and talk about. Plus, you’ll have a new shared experience and create memories. 

Active Learning Can be Fun and Educational

Active learning benefits you and your kids by staying busy, teaching new skills and improving your relationship. It also avoids the summer slide of no learning and days spent being mentally and physically inactive. Understanding your child’s interests and choosing activities they enjoy will keep their minds active until school is back in session.

Jack Shaw is the senior editor at Modded and a single father with a special interest in navigating the ins and outs of being a parent. As parents, the work we put in isn’t always recognized, but it’s absolutely essential to the health and well-being of our children. You can find more of Jack’s work in publications like Tiny Buddha, Parent.com, The Company of Dads and more.