5 Engaging Educational Apps for Summer Learning

Does your child rebel against textbooks during summer? For many students, summer means a break from studying, while parents worry that their children will lose skills before the next grade. One way to strike a balance is by making learning fun and engaging throughout the year. Learn how to make screen time your ally with these five educational apps that help students of every age sharpen skills and stay curious. 

Khan Academy Kids (PreK-2nd Grades) 

Khan Academy Kids offers a rich collection of interactive lessons, games, and activities designed to inspire lifelong learning in young children. They can practice letters, reading, math, and logic, as well as work on memory and social-emotional development — all while having fun with cute characters. The app covers topics appropriate for children from preschool through second grade, allowing you to select your child’s age within each subject. It works both online and offline and is available on the App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore. Best of all, Khan Academy Kids is completely free, with no ads or subscription requests.

Prodigy Math (1st-8th Grades)

Prodigy Math turns math practice into an epic adventure. Players explore new worlds, embark on heroic quests, and solve math problems to earn prizes, collect pets, and challenge friends in a safe, engaging environment. Designed for students in grades 1 through 8, the game adapts to each learner’s level, helping them build skills and confidence through play. While children play, parents can track their progress. The app is free to use, with optional paid features, and is available on web browsers, the App Store, and Google Play. 

Vocabulary Practice: Greek and Latin Roots (K-12th

Grades)

This vocabulary app helps students strengthen language skills by exploring the Greek and Latin roots that form the basis of thousands of English words. Developed by Clever Dragons, the app features 15 levels and over 250 roots, offering a thorough and engaging way to build vocabulary and reading confidence. When players choose the wrong answer, the app provides immediate feedback—turning each mistake into a meaningful learning moment. Ideal for upper elementary through high school students, this app blends challenge and fun in a classical quiz format. Vocabulary Practice: Greek and Latin Roots is available on iOS for just $1.99, with no additional in-app purchases.

IXL (Pre-K–12th  Grades)

IXL is a digital learning platform for students to practice math, language arts, science, social studies, and more. Designed for learners from preschool through high school, IXL aligns with most school curricula and adapts in real-time to each student’s performance. Parents can track progress through detailed reports and insights. While IXL is not a free app, it offers several subscription tiers that can be canceled at any time. For families looking to try it out, IXL allows 10 free questions per day, making it a helpful option for short daily practice without a long-term commitment. Available on the App Store, Google Play, and desktop. 

Coursera (9th-12th Grades)

Coursera is a leading online learning platform offering courses from top universities and organizations worldwide. High school students can take advantage of this flexible resource to explore a wide range of subjects—from calculus to beginner guitar—and develop new skills at their own pace. Many courses are free, with some offering certificates for a fee. Most courses also include a free seven-day trial, allowing students to try before committing. The platform is available as an app on the App Store, Google Play, and on desktop. 

Learning doesn’t have to pause over the summer. By using technology mindfully, students can stay inspired by innovation, inquiry, and achievement—core values at North Tampa Christian School. With the right tools, summer becomes an opportunity to grow, explore, and keep curiosity alive throughout the year. If you’re interested in joining our community or searching for a private school in Tampa, contact us to learn more or schedule a tour.

Organization Tips to Help Children Wrap Up the School Year

Before diving into summer break, take a moment to wrap up the school year with an end-of-year organization routine. Organizing at the end of the school year builds a sense of accomplishment, marks the start of summer fun, and ensures your child will have fewer things to worry about when the new school year rolls around.

Backpack Clean-Up 

During the school year, backpacks often fill up with everything from broken pencils to food crumbs. Begin by emptying every compartment and pocket, inside and out. Then give the backpack a thorough wash so it’s fresh and ready for next year. Check the care instructions first. Some backpacks can go straight into the machine, but others might need special treatment. If the new school year calls for a new backpack, consider ways to recycle or repurpose the old one. 

Sort and Recycle Old School Supplies

Take some time to go through school supplies and see what your child could keep using. Set aside anything still in good condition, and toss what’s not. Sorting pencils, crayons, and markers by type or color will make it easier to see what you already have. When it’s time to buy new supplies, you’ll know exactly what you need. Consider donating gently used or unused supplies to those in need. Also, checking with local office supply stores to see if they offer recycling for school supplies is a thoughtful way to declutter without creating extra waste. 

Create a Memory Box for Favorite Projects

Encourage your child to choose a few keepsakes to remember the year. Help them pick out their favorite art and school projects, and put them in a special box or a folder. It’s a fun way to look back at what they learned. Older children might want to organize their projects on their computers in different folders to use in portfolios. 

Refresh The Workspace

Help your child clear off their desk by removing old papers, broken supplies, and anything they no longer use. Turn on uplifting music to make the process more enjoyable, and treat this time as an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on the school year together. Wipe down the surface, treat any stains, and peel off old tape or stickers. A clean, organized workspace sets the stage for a fresh start when school begins again.

Shop for School Supplies Early

Starting school supply shopping early is like buying yourself a few extra days of summer. With shelves still full and no last-minute lines, you’ll skip the rush and start the new school year feeling calm and prepared. Children love it, too—no stress over missing supplies, and you can enjoy quality time without the hassle of last-minute shopping.   

As the school year comes to a close, students are ready to embrace the joys of summer. Following these tips will help you and your child feel that the year is complete, and the summer break will begin with a sense of accomplishment. Both parents and children can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being more prepared for the next school year. At North Tampa Christian Academy, we are honored to partner with families seeking excellent education for their children in a Wesley Chapel private school. Contact us today to learn more.

Studying 101: How Students Can Study More Effectively

Studying is not a popular subject among students. This is mostly because they tend to struggle through it, not knowing where to start or how to do it without burning out. Fortunately, people have been studying for a long time, so we have found study methods that work. In this guide, find tips for studying more effectively and balancing studying with other parts of life. 

Create a study schedule.

The first step to more effective studying is setting aside plenty of dedicated time. Find time blocks that work around your schedule, including extracurricular activities and time with friends. It’s important to make study time work for you. When you plan out your study sessions, prioritize subjects that might be more difficult for you, and break the sessions down into manageable chunks. Don’t plan to cram the night before—plan early, and leave room for breaks. 

Find the right study environment.

Some people can buckle down and focus no matter what’s going on around them. Most of us aren’t so lucky. Look for a study space that has minimal distractions, like a quiet area of the home or a corner in the library. Look for a comfortable, well-lit space where you can focus for chunks of time without feeling drowsy. Try experimenting with different study setups to find what works best.

Utilize proven study techniques.

Great news about studying: many people have done this before. Try different note taking strategies, like writing by hand and then typing up your notes later, or the Cornell Method of sectioning off your notes to keep them organized. Make sure you’re actively listening to your teacher during lectures. When you find yourself distracted, acknowledge that and tune back in. It may help to ask questions to stay engaged in the lecture. 

Incorporate self-care into study routines.

The last thing you want to do while studying is burn yourself out. Plan breaks as part of your study sessions. Consider getting up and taking a walk between subjects. Physical activity helps improve your cognitive function, and we tend to do a lot of sitting during school and study sessions. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals, especially in the week leading up to a big test. 

Seek help when you need it. 

Asking for help can be hard. However, not asking for it can create a snowball effect as concepts build on each other. If there’s one concept you struggle to wrap your head around, talk to your parents or your teacher. Consider finding a tutor if there’s a subject that’s especially difficult for you. Sometimes, joining a study group can give you all the help you need. It can be easier to learn with the help of others who are learning the same material. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we want to make sure our students have all the tools they need to succeed. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Winter Science Experiments to Try at Home

Winter break is coming up soon, and your Floridian child may be dreaming of a winter wonderland they’ve seen on TV. Florida winters are more of a relief from hurricane season than their own distinct season. While your child won’t be seeing snow unless they travel for winter vacation, they can always do one of these chilly winter science experiments in the comfort of their Florida home. 

Ice Exploration

Playing with ice is kind of like playing in snow, right? This experiment can be done with salt, sugar, water, and — if you’re feeling fancy — food coloring! Here’s how it works: 

• Fill a container with water and let it freeze overnight. 

• The next day, experiment with different ways to melt the ice. 

• Try using salt, sugar, or hot water to see which method works best. 

• You can also add food coloring to the water before freezing to create colorful ice sculptures.

Winter Solstice Sundial

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, so why not mark the occasion with a homemade sundial? All you need for this experiment is a stick and a piece of cardboard. 

• Use a stick as a gnomon (the piece of the sundial that sticks up) and a piece of cardboard as the base. 

• Place the sundial outside in a sunny spot, and track the movement of the shadow throughout the day.

Indoor Snowstorm 

Bring the snow to Florida without worrying about shoveling the driveway! Create a mini snowstorm in a jar using just a few simple ingredients: water, white paint or food coloring, and glitter. 

• Fill a clear jar with water, add a few drops of white paint or food coloring, and swirl in some glitter. 

• Seal the jar tightly, and shake it up to watch the snow swirl around like a winter storm.

Ice Cream in a Bag

Do you ever find yourself craving ice cream when it’s cold outside? This sweet project can give your child a chemistry lesson, and the reward is sweet! Here’s how to make it: 

Ingredients

• 1 cup half and half

• 1/2 tsp artificial or imitation vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Ice

• 1/4 cup salt

• Ziploc bags 1 Small, 1 Large

Directions

1. Pour 1 cup of half and half into a small ziploc bag.

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of artificial vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar. 

3. Seal the bag firmly and get any excess air out. 

4. In the larger ziploc bag, fill it about 1/2 way with ice. Add 1/4 cup of salt.

5. Then add your small bag and fill with extra ice on top. Seal the large bag.

6. Get gloves for shaking and shake for 6 minutes. *Gloves are needed since the salt makes the ice extra cold.

7. Take the small bag out of the large bag and rinse the outside of the small bag with cold water. Make sure to rinse out the top part of the bag also (above the seal).

8. Once done rinsing, carefully open the small bag to not get any remaining salt from the outside of the bag inside the bag.

9. The ice cream will be a little icy looking to start. Use a spoon to mix it around and soften it up a bit. Scoop out and enjoy!

At NTCA, we encourage our students to continue learning during breaks from school. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Understanding the Value of Learning Outside the Classroom

Students can learn anywhere. Lessons take place in the classroom, on the playground, at home and beyond. Classroom instruction is great for learning facts, figures and skills. For more advanced learning, students benefit from expanding their knowledge out in the real world. Project-based learning allows students to interact with the learning material differently. Going outside of the classroom takes that real-world application to another level. 

Benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom

While most subjects can be taught in a classroom setting, there’s something to be said about hands-on experiences. Reaching out and touching the subject matter brings it to the student’s level. Students who go out into the world and apply what they learn have an easier time relating to the material. Experiencing lessons outside of the classroom also allows students to think more critically and solve problems they may not have thought of in the academic setting. 

Ways Students Learn Beyond the Classroom Walls

Experiential learning can take place in almost any environment. That’s the great thing about hands-on education. Students can go on field trips to places like museums, parks and businesses to learn about any number of subjects. Community service projects provide excellent learning opportunities. Students can also work on collaborative projects with local organizations that need volunteers. The opportunities are endless. 

Impact on Student Engagement and Motivation

Even children who excel in the classroom can benefit from learning in new environments. By showcasing the real-world application of their lessons, hands-on learning can increase students’ interest in the subject matter and improve their retention of information. Getting outside of their comfort zone also allows students to see new perspectives, leading to enhanced creativity and room for innovation. 

How Teachers and Parents Can Support Experiential Learning

While children can benefit in many ways from learning outside the classroom, they need help from the adults in their lives to get started. Teachers can provide guidance and resources to help students find opportunities. Teachers and parents can help their students connect with community partners who could use the help of a child or teen. After a child has an experiential learning experience, parents can encourage their child to reflect on and discuss what they’ve learned. The best way a parent can help a child learn is being involved. 

At NTCA, we’re all about experiential learning outside the classroom and collaboration on campus. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.