Balance is the key word here. Unless a child is struggling in his/her respective grade level, it's a huge burden to expect too much acedemically from a child in Elementary School! They are nearing the end of childhood, give them Summer memories of fun and learning from camping trips, bike rides with Mom and Dad, local trips to Hidden Villa and the Zoo. If you open the Geography book for young kids, why not add visiting some of the accessible places of discussion. Plane trips or car trips to far away (or not so far away) places are where the real memories and lasting impressions are made.

i never ever did more than watch television during all my summer breaks from school. no child or parent should be worried about this so called "brain drain."

Eric,

Could you please contact me at your convenience? My email is dfrances@mv-voice.com. Thanks.

I thought the point of summer vacation was to just kick back and have fun. I think kids these days don't know how to do that anymore...or should i say parents won't allow them to.