June 02, 2007

Summer is a season which offers you two choices. Get away or stay put. For those who choose the latter option, the heat can make it a bit hard to think straight on how to enjoy the season.

Here are some ideas to beat the heat and keep yourself busy and learning all summer long.

Fun with computers
Computer and internet connection can plug you into a world of interactive information, entertainment and education guaranteed to keep you amused. There are plenty of websites with ideas for creative activities that can be enjoyed both at the computer and away from it. You love to experiment and learn with any kind of computer gadget, so the holidays are a good time to experiment with the digital camera or even the web cam. A number of craft activities can be completed using a combination of computer technology and ordinary craft material. You can create many things such as albums, pictures, calendars, greeting cards, name plates, posters and invitations. Microsoft office, power point, instant artist and paint provide ideal tools for you to explore your creative talents. You can also learn to make interesting science projects with the help of interactive science websites that allow you to have fun while you learn. Computers are also a great source for stories, poems and practice worksheets for children to use help them to keep in touch. Some helpful search engines are Yahoo, Google, Excite.

It’s cooking time
Most of you are intrigued by the grown-up world of cooking. You can contribute to the pleasure and accomplishment of creating a special something for your parents to enjoy. Under adult supervision there are several dishes that can be made without using a stove. Salads, shakes, sandwiches, cakes, pies, the list is endless. Look through your mom’s cook books and find recipes that are simple, tasty and safe. Bake a cake and decorate it creatively with frosting using chocolate, sprinkles and whipped cream. Older children can plan and create an entire meal for the family. Toddlers can join the fun by breaking bread for stuffing or kneading dough. This summer explore your senses of touch, taste, feel and smell through the art of cooking.

Getting arty
There are always plenty of motivating ideas for you to learn from during summer. Every one can be a great artist and create amazing models out of virtually nothing. Even a lot of rubbish or useless materials can be turned into appealing art works. Imaginative projects designed to encourage a feel for colour and design can be modified for you. It is possible to achieve impressive results even if you are not particularly artistic. A large range of products draw on lots of different materials, all of which are easily obtainable. Visit your local arts and crafts store and find various wraps to decorate a room using simple tools that you can do by yourself. Look at arts and crafts books designed specifically for simple home projects and pick a few that fit your budget and design plan. You can make a picture frame with your hand print, foot print or consider working with shells and beads. You can also make your own personalised photo albums. A pottery class could be great fun for you and it will provide you with wonderful hand made decorations for your home. Stimulate yourself and get some projects around the house accomplished and have fun.

Gardening ideas
Gardening is not just about creating a garden for you. It’s about all those “gardening moments” with you in your own backyard and front yard and in the garage and at the window sill. A fun activity for most of you, it gets you outside, teach you about nature and is a good way to get you interested in a new hobby. Gardening chores like digging, planting and watering faze mate most of you. Another basic part of gardening and which you can enjoy is planting seeds. This will keep you occupied for weeks and months as you watch the seeds grow. It also doesn’t require a lot of work or preparation. A styro foam cup, some soil and a packet of seeds are all you need. Some easy-to-grow and quick sprouting plants include radish, beans, carrots, cherry tomatoes and lettuce. All that needs to be done is to follow the instruction carefully on seed and starter plants packets and, once done, mark the locations with twigs to know where to water. You will love to see the efforts bearing fruit in a few weeks.

So, go ahead have fun this holiday but remember, quality family time is very important. Ask your parents to accompany you to the zoo, or a picnic and turn on the fun this summer.