No Summer Break for Learning

August 2, 1996

Greensboro, NC: While some of us lounge through the dog days of summer, a Cooperative Extension program sees this time as an opportunity to supplement the learning opportunities of local youngsters.

"Playing to Learn" began in 1992, in response to a lack of activities available to young children in public housing. In that year, 32 children, ages 3 to 12, became the first participants in a program that sought to extend and supplement a child's education through the summer.

"I saw all of these children running around with nothing to do," said Edith Wiley, a family education assistant with North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program in Rockingham County. "It seemed such a waste to see these young people looking for something to do."

From its modest beginning, Playing to Learn has since expanded to six different sites in Rockingham County. The total number of children currently involved in the program is estimated at more than 150.

The program relies on the efforts of community volunteers, often mothers, for leadership. All leaders undergo six to eight hours of training that provides them with information concerning age-appropriate learning activities for children, and the program's goals and needs, and how best to achieve them.

This summer, children involved in the program participated in a number of activities designed for their age group. While the younger children use games to learn skills in such areas as the alphabet and memory, the older children learn through activities dealing with such issues as citizenship, communication, and multiculturalism.

A fall trip to the zoo in Asheboro is also planned.

"Playing to Learn provides a safe environment for children to learn about themselves, the world around them, and how to behave in socially appropriate ways," said Jean Baldwin, a family life and human development specialist with the North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension Program. "When children are busy having fun, they don't think about the learning that is taking place, and this learning will help their school performance throughout the year."

Playing to Learn is not alone in the category of summer youth development programs. Many programs for children of all ages and interests exist in North Carolina; however, parents often experience difficulty choosing the right one for their children, or even finding one that isn't already full.

"Plan early for your child's summer," said Baldwin. "By March or April, you should already have a pretty good idea what your children will be doing through the summer months. Waiting too long to plan will severely limit the options available. Many excellent summer programs for youth are completely filled long before the school bell rings on the last day of school."

Baldwin also suggests that parents consult with other parents when choosing summer programs. "Other parents are a good source of information about programs that are available in your community."

For more information, please contact Jean Baldwin, NC A&T's Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.