Summer means freedom from homework, fun-filled days, and time off from religious school. Many families leave behind the weekly religious school study sessions for days at the lake, summer camp, or simply a responsibility-free vacation.

When summer ends and the fall schedule picks up again, teachers frequently notice a lag in learning. A refresher of last year’s studies needs to take place before students are ready to dive back into their Judaic curriculum. Long-term retention is difficult when learning is not reinforced at home.

What parents might not know is that there are fun and easy to use resources to help children stay on top of their Jewish studies. The Learning Shuk (TLS) of Greater Phoenix is a parent-educator-community collaboration that connects K-12 Greater Phoenix families to each other and to innovative and creative Jewish learning.

How does TLS benefit families who don’t live in Greater Phoenix? The Learning Shuk is a content curator and has put together a summer learning playlist for its youngest learners. Created with incoming kindergarten students in mind, the summer learning playlist is really suitable for students through third grade. Even children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades can find something interesting and engaging.

By following the link below, you will be taken to The Learning Shuk’s Fun, Jewish Exploration Playlist. On the playlist, you will find a variety of crafts, games, and activities to stimulate Jewish learning over the summer.

You might choose to sit your early learner at the computer and allow her to play the tzedakah game. She will work on her fine motor skills while learning about the Jewish value of giving to others.

Perhaps, it’s that time of day when your son is allowed to choose a video. Let him choose one from the TLS playlist. There are videos from Shalom Sesame and Mitzvah Island addressing various mitzvot and good character traits. Or maybe he’ll choose a short animation from G-dcast, which talks about the weekly Torah portion in child-friendly language.

If you prefer your children to leave the computer behind in the summer, you will still have plenty of learning options to choose from. Try the simple challah recipe, listen to Jewish music, print out the Shabbat craft, or look at the list of the 613 mitzvot. For those more motivated parents, there are a few lesson plans to help you guide your children in their learning.

Summer time is a time for children to leave behind long school days and let loose, play, and relax. Parents who are eager to keep their children connected to Jewish learning will appreciate the Fun, Jewish Exploration Playlist from The Learning Shuk. It will engage your children with fun activities while also reinforcing Jewish learning.


The Learning Shuk: Summer Exploration


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I am one of the Content Curators for The Learning Shuk. I wrote this article for the purpose of sharing this great summer learning opportunity with you and your families.