By: Ashmar Mandou
Summer is in full swing and students everywhere are enjoying endless pool parties, trips to the beach, and sleeping in late. While a break is much deserved, months of not-learning and lack of structure can cause “summer brain drain,” which refers to the learning loss that can happen during break. With the help of Dr. Jessica Chavez, chief learning and community partnerships officer with Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, there are several ways parents can help keep their child’s brain active with fun activities.
Lawndale Bilingual News: With summer in full swing parents may face challenges keeping their child’s brain active over the break. How can parents prevent the “summer brain drain”?
Dr. Jessica Chavez: A lot of us discover our love of science and learning outside of the classroom, and the summer is the perfect time to encourage and nurture that discovery. The best things parents can do over the summer and really all year, is to stay curious together. Whether you’re taking a weekend trip or just heading to your neighborhood library, look for places and programs that make learning fun for the whole family. And bring this attitude of discovery to your home too. One of my favorite activities is pairing books with hands-on experiments. We love reading What Floats in a Moat? by Lynne Berry and doing a sink-and-float challenge at home. You don’t need fancy materials — just foil, some water and a little imagination.
LN: Museums play a pivotal role in keeping a child’s mind sharp. What kind of hands-on activities at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry can children enjoy that are fun but designed to help brain development?
JC: Griffin MSI gives kids the chance to learn by doing, not just watching or listening. That kind of hands-on, minds-on experience helps reinforce curiosity, creativity and problem-solving. And what’s special about Griffin MSI is that it’s built to help inspire curiosity and aha moments for the whole family. One of my favorite exhibits is our wall of careers at the Henry Crown Space Center which shows that there’s more than one way to have a career in space, from flight suit designer to psychologist to parachute technician. I love this because it really demonstrates the paths and possibilities available in STE(A)M, and opens up different ways of looking at career options. And this doesn’t just apply to the Henry Crown Space Center. Let’s take an example from a young child visiting our new Spider-man exhibit. An avid comic book reader may have previously thought a career in comics is only for artists but our Museum shows them that there are so many different ways to participate in their passions.
LN: Do you have favorite summer educational activities that are underrated?
JC: As a parent, I’m always looking for ways to “sneak in the vegetables” with activities that reinforce what my son is learning at school but still feel like play. For example, I know he learnt his ABCs last school year so now over the summer we’re playing little games like swatting lettered index cards with a fly swatter as I call out letters for him to identify. It’s fun, it’s active, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Museums and libraries are great resources too! They create the opportunity for the whole family to learn and explore together and offer so many activities and events people are sometimes not even aware of. Our Griffin MSI team has created Discovery Packs filled with LEGO kits, books and STE(A)M challenges that you can check out for free at Chicago Public Library branches across the city. There is no one size fits all approach. Try out different activities and see what works best for your family and their learning style!
LN: How much time should children spend a day on educational activities? How would you suggest parents keep a routine with their children?
JC: Don’t separate learning and play as activities that are at odds with each other. Learning can be integrated into everything you do. For example, as we make dinner, my son gets on his step stool with his kid-safe cutting set and we talk through things like measurement and states of matter. His screen time also mixes education and play, we love watching things like SciShow Kids or Emily’s Wonder Lab — shows that make your brain grow! Integrate your kids into your routine with activities that excite them so you’re learning and discovering together through the day.
LN: What other tips can you offer parents to keep their children engaged this summer?
JC: Do things that excite you, too. If it’s fun for you, it’ll be more fun for them and more sustainable! We love making chalk obstacle courses or turning errands into scavenger hunts. The goal isn’t to fill every minute with content; it’s to stay present and curious. And if it doesn’t feel like a chore, it’s easier to stick with.
LN: Lastly, with a plethora of activities hosted by Griffin MSI, what should families check out during their visit?
JC: There’s something at Griffin MSI for every kind of learner. Little ones love the Idea Factory, where they can explore buoyancy and motion through water play while having a great time. The new Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition dives into the world of illustration and creative iteration which can spark new ideas and creative pursuits. Numbers in Nature brings math to life through movement and patterns found in the world around us. With over a million square feet of exploration, every family member is guaranteed to find something that engages their sense of wonder. What I love most is that everything is hands-on, minds-on and the whole family can explore together. And any time school is out, camps are in session at Griffin MSI with a range of different activities tailored for different age groups, so make sure to check out signups for camps throughout the year on our website.
