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"CREATIVE SUMMER ACTIVITIES
FOR CHILDREN"

Question: "As I learn more about our unique gifts of intellect and spirituality, I grow more concerned about our children's school experiences. Kids are being forced into uniformity and are forbidden to expand upon their individual differences in our school systems. How do I strike a balance between these two aspects for my children?"

Psychic Advice:
In our present school system teachers are not allowed to really teach, therefore our current education system is failing our children and failing our society. The children of today are the future leaders and workers of tomorrow. The education system as it stands today is designed to control and indoctrinate children into being unthinking drones, because it is easier to control people who simply follow orders and do not think or reason for themselves.

Teachers have their hands tied in many ways. They have to make sure that their students meet certain standards of education, therefore they have to teach to meet those standards. "Standard" is defined as "constituting or not differing from the norm", so a standardized education system dictates what is the norm for all children to study without differing from that curriculum.

Teachers are often faced with overcrowded classrooms, outdated teaching materials, lack of supplies, and stringent requirements and restrictions. There is little to inspire teachers, and they are often forbidden from deviating from the standard curriculum. They are also overworked, underpaid and underappreciated, making it all but impossible for them to provide individualized attention and support to their students. Couple this with cutbacks to extracurricular programs and you have an education system that does not motivate children to learn, or to become well-rounded individuals.

The current education system tends to focus on left-brain activities of memorization, with an emphasis on maths and sciences. Even creative writing is often regimented and restricted in its creative process, with students expected to deliver formulaic assignments so they can get approval for a passing grade.

The problem is that this does not develop the right side of the brain, which governs creativity and intuition. The way to really engage children to learn is by giving them a multi-dimensional experience that somehow relates to real-world experience. Giving children the opportunity to choose and to create for themselves will give them the ability to be ingenious and inventive. Science fair projects are a good example of this, where children have to make choices and fully explore and explain a topic. The best way to learn is to teach.

There are special schools that focus on nurturing individuality in children, such as Montessori or Waldorf schools, but these may not be accessible to everyone, either because of availability or for financial reasons. Extra-curricular activities after school can be very helpful and important for helping children develop a full range of their gifts, talents and abilities, but these can also be limited for similar reasons.

The summer holidays can be an excellent time to encourage your child's creative development. There are summer camps and YMCA/YWCA programs that can offer children a wide range of experiences and activities, but there are also things that parents can do to support and nurture children's gifts, interests and abilities.

Summer is a time to play, relax and enjoy the outdoors, but children get bored easily. Helping your child choose toys and activities that engage their mind and creative thinking will help them grow, evolve and mature tremendously. There are many toys, books and activities that serve the purpose of educating children while also entertaining them.

Family activities can also be fun and educational at the same time. The best way for children to grow and learn about the world is by experiencing it first-hand, rather than simply reading about it or being lectured about it in school. Experience creates relevance and also helps the brain develop synapses that imprint memory with meaning.

Traveling with children broadens their horizons and their experience, so this is an excellent thing to do with children. Even if you cannot travel, you can take the time to explore new activities in your own town. Taking children to museums, galleries, zoos, etc. can all be educational experiences that are fun for the family. Going on nature walks or visiting a planetarium can open children to new ideas, and can be interesting for parents as well. Look in your local paper for guided walks or activities for children, and inquire at your local museum or recreation center about the programs that are available for kids during the summer. Even local churches or religious groups may offer activities for children for free.

You can also encourage your children to prepare and put on some kind of talent show for you. Younger children love to be creative, and love to have their parents' undivided attention and approval. Even if your child does not have siblings, children can organize this type of show with their friends, and you can even invite their parents for a party to watch the final product. This type of thing can keep your children entertained and creative for hours, even for days, and if they get positive encouragement and support, will inspire and excite them to explore other creative talents.

Activities such a lemonade stand teach children to work and create for themselves, while also teaching them real-world math and business skills. Encouraging the family to dance together is good and healthy for everyone, and can be a great bonding experience, as is taking walks after dinner. Reading aloud together can also be entertaining, particularly books like the Harry Potter series that makes reading fun and exciting for everyone.

Of course, encouraging these type of activities can be more challenging with older children, or with children who have special needs. Older children can focus on their reading or writing skills, and can be encouraged to write short stories or poems. They can also learn to build and create things; local hobby stores may offer great classes and activities for children of all ages. Some older children could be engaged to play word games that may help them with their SATs.

Older children should be encouraged to work and to explore different fields of interest that inspire them toward a career. There may be mentorship programs available during the summer that support teens to get work experience in various fields of interest, and there are always volunteer programs available. All of these types of activities for older children can support them to get into college, because ironically, colleges are often looking for well-rounded individuals who have interests and activities beyond the school curriculum. Even if they are not going to college, these types of activities encourage teens to be self-motivated and empowered.

Helping children to develop all aspects of the mind does not have to be costly. It can be as simple as playing certain games while on car rides that engage them to think creatively. There are many books that can give ideas for these types of games and activities, such as "I spy", or games that engage concentration, like counting all the stop signs to your destination, or all the blue cars, etc.

The bottom line is that school can only really prepare children to conform for work, but it is up to parents to really teach, educate and prepare their children for life. The more you engage and encourage your children to develop their gifts, talents, interests and abilities, the more tools you giving them to succeed and enjoy all aspects of life. By giving them multi-dimensional experiences, you support them to be multi-faceted human beings who will lead a fulfilling life and enrich our society. This is the best way for children to truly learn, grow and develop in a whole and balanced way.

The following website may have some helpful links for alternative schooling: www.indigochild.com/schools.html

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