Spring Break is a great refresher for children and parents alike. But, just because children are out of school, it doesn't mean they can't continue to learn by taking part in fun and educational activities. As a parent, take advantage of the holiday to spend fun, learning time together. Show your children how the lessons learned in the classroom apply in day-to-day life.

Sylvan Learning offers tips that can keep learning alive during Spring Break holidays:

• Writing - To help writing skills, encourage your children to start a diary or to write letters to a grandparent or friend. If you are travelling on a vacation, ask your children to keep travel journals recording where you stayed and what you did. At the end of every day, talk through the activities with your children and help them with the journals. It not only helps with their writing skills; it creates great family memories.
  
  
• Mathematics - Helping mom or dad with grocery shopping creates opportunities to use math skills: making change, weighing fruits and vegetables, etc. Providing assistance with cooking can also familiarize students with weights and measures, organization and planning, and following a recipe. Perhaps you and your child could make a special dessert for the whole family. Help him or her choose a recipe, create an ingredients list and go shopping together.
  
  
• Reading - Local libraries offer infinite resources for children. Librarians can recommend books appropriate for your child's reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children's programs and clubs.
  
  Children also learn by example. If parents are setting time aside to read, it reinforces the fun and enjoyment of reading.
  
  
• Internet - Visit www.BookAdventure.com, a free Sylvan-created interactive, reading motivation program. Children can create their own book lists from more than 7,000 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for prizes.
  
  
• Analysis and Logic - Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but help children to develop and reinforce skills. A simple card game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking. Be sure to select games appropriate for your child's age level.
  

For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit the "Parent Resources" area of www.SylvanLearning.com.