How to Keep Teens Motivated to Learn Over the Summer

Your teen is on summer vacation, and they couldn’t be more excited. It’s finally time to go have fun between school semesters. However, you’re concerned about the summer slide, where students lose some of what they’ve learned during the school year. Students can keep learning over the summer break without feeling like they’re going to class every day. Here are some tips for finding that balance and motivating your teen to keep learning: 

Create a Schedule

While you don’t want to make your teen feel like they’re back in school, making a schedule for learning activities can help keep them engaged in learning over the summer. See if you can carve out a couple of days a week to do an educational activity like visiting a museum or blocking out time for summer reading. Things can always come up, so keep the schedule flexible. 

Set Goals and Rewards

When setting summer learning goals for your teen, get together with them to discuss what they want to brush up on or accomplish during the break. If there’s something you feel is missing, try to nudge them in that direction. By setting goals, your teen will have something specific to aspire to or focus on. Goals can be as vague as “read faster by the end of summer” or as specific as “read every book on the summer reading list.” 

Encourage Independence and Creativity

What your teen needs the most as they work toward accomplishing their learning goals is a sense of independence. Allow them to explore their interests, and support them in the process. If they’re stuck on a problem, offer guidance for finding a way around or through it. As a teenager, your child will soon be out on their own, and they’ll need to be able to think independently and creatively to thrive. 

Incorporate Real-World Learning Opportunities

Summer is the perfect time for your teen to explore their interests in the real world. Take that trip to the museum, the zoo, the library, or wherever you can engage with your teen’s interests. If they’re especially service-minded or focused on social justice, consider signing up for volunteer opportunities together.

Stay Positive and Flexible

You want to make summer learning a priority without making it a chore. The more it feels like work, the less engaged your teen will be. Use this break as an opportunity to help them explore what they’re interested in or to bridge learning gaps to set them up for success in the new school year. Make it a positive experience, even if they continue to struggle. Be flexible. If something they want to do lands on a scheduled learning day, you can always reschedule the learning day. Keep your teen engaged by working around their schedule. 
Education doesn’t need to be the sole focus of summer break, but learning shouldn’t stop as soon as school’s out for the year. 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.

3 Fun Science Projects to Keep Your Child Curious Over Summer Break

During the school year, children find themselves fully immersed in academic activities. Then, over the summer, that abruptly stops. For some children, this leads to summer learning loss, where they fail to retain knowledge they gained when school was in session. Fortunately, there are plenty of educational activities you can do in the comfort of your home, from reading challenges to science projects. Here are a few science experiments that can be fun for the whole family:

Project 1: DIY Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

This classic science experiment never gets old. People of all ages enjoy watching the results of this chemical reaction between common household products. When you do this experiment together, you can experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to create different eruption heights and effects.

Materials needed for this experiment include: 

• A plastic bottle

• Baking soda

• Vinegar

• Food coloring

• A container to contain the volcano eruption

Here’s how the experiment works:

1. Build the base by placing the plastic bottle in the center of the container. Add materials like paper mache or clay to create a more realistic volcano shape.

2. Mix a few drops of food coloring into the baking soda.

3. Fill the plastic bottle about halfway with vinegar.

4. Carefully pour the baking soda into the vinegar-filled bottle, and step back quickly to watch the volcanic eruption!

5. Clean up messes after completing the experiment.

Project 2: Homemade Slime

What could be more fun than playing with a gooey material that can easily wash off your hands with soap and water? Making homemade slime is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Your child may even forget that they’re learning when you perform this science experiment together. 

These are the materials you will need for this experiment: 

• White school glue

• Liquid starch

• Water

• Food coloring

Here are the steps:

1. Mix 1/2 cup of white school glue with 1/2 cup of water in a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.

2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue mixture. Stir until you have evenly distributed the color.

3. Slowly add 1/4 cup of liquid starch to the glue mixture, stirring constantly.

4. Continue stirring and kneading the slime until it reaches the desired consistency. Add more liquid starch if the slime comes out too sticky. Add a little water if it's stiff.

5. Once the slime has the right texture, customize it with different colors! Divide the slime into separate portions, and mix in different food coloring to create a variety of colors.

6. Store your homemade slime in an airtight container when not in use to keep it from drying out. Enjoy playing with your colorful, customized slime!

Project 3: Solar Oven S'mores

S’mores and summer fun go together like chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. Campers traditionally make these snacks over a campfire, but you can also make them in a solar oven. And when you make them in an oven, you’re doing science! This experiment is educational and delicious. 

To make solar oven s'mores, you will need the following ingredients and materials:

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers

• Marshmallows

• Chocolate bars

Materials:

• Cardboard pizza box with a lid

• Aluminum foil

• Plastic wrap

• Black construction paper

• Tape

• Scissors

Here are the steps for making solar oven s’mores: 

1. Line the inside of the pizza box with aluminum foil, shiny side up, to create a reflective surface that will help trap and reflect the sunlight.

2. Cut a piece of black construction paper to fit the bottom of the pizza box, and tape it in place. The black paper will absorb the sunlight and help create heat inside the solar oven.

3. Arrange the ingredients for the s'mores on the graham crackers - place a piece of chocolate on one graham cracker and a marshmallow on the other.

4. Place the s'mores on a small plate, and carefully place them inside the pizza box.

5. Close the pizza box lid, and securely tape it shut to seal in the heat.

6. Place the solar oven in direct sunlight, with the reflective side facing the sun. Adjust the position of the solar oven throughout the process to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.

7. Allow the s'mores to cook in the solar oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallow melts and the chocolate becomes soft.

8. Carefully remove the plate from the solar oven, and assemble the s'mores by placing the marshmallow and chocolate between the two graham crackers.

9. Enjoy delicious solar oven s'mores!

We encourage you to make science fun with these easy-to-do at-home science experiments this summer. 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.

Why You Should Join the Booster Club

North Tampa Christian Academy recently introduced a Booster Club that supports the school’s athletics program by sponsoring student athletes and providing funding to help each of our various sports programs reach their goals. Being part of this club means showing your support for NTCA and its mission as a school that provides innovative Christian education, from the classroom to the field and beyond. 

How the Booster Club Works

The Booster Club at NTCA creates a supportive and encouraging community for athletes, parents, coaches, faculty and staff. You can join as an individual or as part of our business partnership program. Individuals can choose to sponsor a student or make a general donation to the club. Any contributions to the Booster Club help provide opportunities for students to develop skills, teamwork and leadership on and off the field. Through our athletics programs, students feel a sense of school spirit and pride in representing North Tampa Christian Academy.

Where the Funding Goes

By joining the Booster Club, you contribute directly to funding equipment, uniforms, transportation, and other expenses for sports programs. This helps our programs grow and empowers our students to pursue their dreams. Students from all backgrounds have the same opportunities to come together through our athletics programs and play their favorite sports on a level playing field.

Building Character

As a Christian school, we focus on the formation of the whole child, whether that’s in the classroom or on the field. Through our athletics programs, children learn Christian values like integrity and respect, as well as teamwork and sportsmanship. Students learn to become compassionate leaders and work together toward common goals. Learning these values while they’re young sets students up for success as they move through life. 

Coming together as a community through efforts like the Booster Club promotes the success of student athletes. 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.

Life Skills for Children and Teens to Build Over the Summer

Summer break isn’t over yet, and your child still has more time where they won’t be going to school every day. They’ve had a decent amount of time to recover from the school year, and now they’re getting antsy. This is the perfect time to encourage your child to start building some life skills. Whether you have a child or teen, there’s plenty you can teach them over the summer without cracking open a textbook. 

Life Skills for Children

First, you’ll want to make sure the skills you’re teaching your child are age-appropriate. Your child can learn a great deal about life in the classroom, but some lessons are better learned at home. For a younger child, start with the basics. 

Money Management

To begin the money management lesson, take your child to the store to pick out a piggy bank. You should be able to find a decent selection at any big box or department store. Lesson one can be as simple as “pay with cash, and drop whatever change you receive into the bank.” Make a savings goal, like buying a new toy or going somewhere fun at the end of summer break. When the time comes, bring the change to a change machine at a store like Wal-Mart, or roll the coins up together and bring them to the bank. 

Time Management

When you have a daily routine, like going to school, some of your time is managed for you. However, over the summer, things tend to be a little less structured. Encourage your child to build a daily schedule that gives them plenty of time for tasks like chores and summer reading, as well as time for play and relaxation. Start with the times they’re naturally inclined to do each task, and work together to build a schedule that works for them and for you. The most important part of this is learning how to plan ahead or adapt when things don’t go as planned. Help your child figure out the best way to use their time wisely. 

Life Skills for Teenagers

Teens could certainly benefit from learning about time management and money management, but by the time they’re in high school, they should have a grasp of the basics. As they move into adulthood, the skills that will help them the most are what are known as “soft skills,” or people skills. 

Communication Skills

In your teenage years, you begin to understand that there are consequences for your actions, and that includes how you communicate with others. However, teens often need some help fine tuning their communication skills. Start by discussing how to say things, especially in an argument. Go over the importance of “I statements” and active listening. Go over strategies for being assertive without being aggressive. Use lessons you’ve learned as an example of what to do and what not to do. 

Problem-Solving Skills

Once your teen learns how to communicate on a personal level, you can begin discussing the art of collaboration and brainstorming. Encourage your teen to think critically before responding to any given situation. Help them think of creative ways to solve problems. Learning how to problem solve takes work, but with a nudge in the right direction, your teen can be set up for success as they prepare for life after high school. 

Summer break can be the perfect time to help your child or teen learn valuable life skills. 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.

Meaningful Summer Service Projects for Teens

Summer break provides much-needed time for rest away from the stresses of school. These breaks also give children and teens the perfect opportunity to spend their days helping out in the community. Finding a summer service project can be challenging, especially if you and your teen aren’t sure where to start. Read on for ideas of meaningful ways for your teen to give back this summer. 

Volunteer at the Library

Local libraries provide a plethora of services, and they do so with limited resources. Volunteering at the library can mean reading to children and seniors, helping organize programs, or assisting others who need help using computers. You can also spend the summer doing tasks like shelving books that help relieve busy librarians. If you love reading and want to share that love with others, the library is the perfect place to serve others during the summer. 

Become a Tutor

Use your academic skills to help peers or younger students who need help in a certain subject. You can join a tutoring group or find individuals to tutor during the summer. There may even be local service projects you can join to help children in underserved communities. Summer tutoring gets students who fall behind back on track for the school year, which can make a huge difference in their lives. 

Join a Charity Race

Charity walks and runs happen year-round, and these events always need help. Some of the most impactful ways to help at these events are volunteering to support the racers and starting your own fundraiser. Individual fundraisers take place online before the race once you sign up for the event. If you’re athletic and want to support a good cause, this is a great way. Find an event that supports a cause that appeals to you, and join in! 

Help Feed the Hungry

You can help those dealing with hunger in your community in many ways. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. Raise funds, prepare meals, or sort donations for a local food bank. Deliver meals to those who can’t leave their homes. The possibilities are endless, as is the need for these services. If you’re looking for a summer service project that impacts the lives of the most people, you can’t go wrong with hunger relief. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, serving the community is part of the curriculum, and we also encourage an attitude of service outside of school. Students at our Tampa Christian 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.