The time to discuss the dreaded summer brain drain is upon us. Everyone knows now that even when school’s out for the summer, it’s important for kids to continue learning and many times summer homework isn’t enough.

But even though it’s highly encouraged that students continue learning, that doesn’t mean that learning has to come in the form of drab packets and forced activities.

Here are some innovative ideas to encourage your students and children to get involved with over the summer for optimal learning opportunities.

Encourage Them to Be a Kid Science Advisor

President Obama was recently advised by a nine-year-old STEM enthusiast that he should listen to young learners more when it comes to how they learn science. Our president thought that was a great idea- and he’s now seeking feedback and science ideas from the kid community!

Inspire you student or child to share their science ideas with the White House- and turn those ideas into a learning project that can last all summer long.

Find out how to submit ideas here.

Help the Federal Government Track Mosquitoes with Data Collection

The federal government is looking for help from classrooms, families and communities in tracking mosquito behavior so it can better determine the spread of infectious disease- most notably, the Zika virus. Encourage your student or child to get involved with data collection over the summer as it’s a great way to apply learned science concepts to real-world events.

See corresponding resources here. 

Prep for Short Story Competition for High School Writers

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will begin accepting submissions in August for the best short story writer from grades 9-12.

Spark a Story will open for entries in the fall of the 2016-2017 school year and will focus on original short stories (fiction). The writing contest will culminate in an anthology featuring the winning entries that will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,” HMH said in a statement.

HMH is encouraging students to hone their writing skills over the summer before submitting final drafts in August.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and overall quality of writing.

Let your student writers know about this summer writing opportunity now! 

Check Out PBS Kids Summer Learning Initiatives

Year after year, PBS Kids makes a commitment to helping children avoid summer learning loss by providing them with engaging shows and digital resources for no charge.

“PBS KIDS is committed to providing learning resources that help to bridge the achievement gap, especially to children in underserved areas who need it most. Every year, our PBS member stations do an exemplary job of bringing these resources to families in their communities to encourage them to keep their minds active all summer long,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS in a statement.

Digital resources include educational games, games, activities and videos and are available here.