How do American children usually spend their summer holidays?
483414
There's a ton of stuff they do.  Mostly, I would say they go to public swimming pools and hang out with their friends.
1121961
NO!  Type in "year round schools" and you will find lots of research has been done and there is no definitive research to support either side.   It is not true that kids "forget" over the summer.  In truth, if they "forget" they didn't really know it to begin with.\n\nOne person mentioned the inner city so kids won't get in trouble, well, guess what: WE AREN'T BABYSITTERS.  Besides, trust me, kids from anywhere can get in trouble anytime of the year.\n\nThis is my second year on a modified year round.  Instead of 3 weeks off, 9 on, we are off 2 weeks in Oct., 2 in Dec. and 2 at Easter.  That gives us an extra 2 weeks in the summer. Although I like the two weeks at Christmas, which we always got, what do I do in Oct.?  My family is at work and in school.  Oh, I know, I can go to teacher training within the district or teach an intersession "summer school" like class.  It has been really hard to get a vacation in with my kids being on a different schedule than me.  In the end we are only starting about 3 weeks before the other schools around here but it is the hottest 3 weeks of the year and we don't have air conditioning. The kids (and their parents) act like it's still summer so the kids stay up late and are exhausted the next day.  They complain that they could be swimming or doing other things.  Parents keep their kids home to take them to the amusement park and to go swimming or a family reunion.  They miss more school for that. \n\nIt is harder for kids to find a job in the summer.  It is harder for teachers to get a job in the summer or to take classes.  We are required to take 20 hours of professional development a year.  The local colleges run into August so we can't take the classes there.  That means we have to take them in the evening and weekends during the school year when we are tired and our kids have extracurricular things going on that we have to try to work around.\n\nMost of you know how crazy kids get at the end of school every year.  Guess what?  When you are year round, they get crazy in Oct. Dec. and Easter!  I haven't seen any benefits yet.  I vote NO!
341401
probably all year round, it just seems more during the summer b/c everyone is out of school and/or on vacation
692954
The best sort of "summer school" for a first grader would be swimming, playing, camping, baseball, all kinds of sports, picnics, etc.  Just like adults, they need a break.  We all learn better after a good rest and some relaxation without having to deal with the stress of work a nd learning - that is the best thing you can do for the child.
298596
America is getting fat and lazy, that's what I see. Most of the children don't really even go out and play that much. They only play video games and watch television, and play on the computer. Alot of them are real smart-azzes and don't know how to really do anything. Playing on the computer isn't going keep everyone in America working. Somebody is going to have to do some of the work. This concerns me.
622573
I'm 17 years old.  I've gone to camp for 4 weeks.  holidays with friends in Florida or NY for 2-2 & 1/2 weeks.  i love travel so i don't miss my folks so much.  we spend time together when im home.  I NEED MY INDEPENDENCE!!!!!!!!!! I also plan on studying abroad next year, so thats ten month in Israel, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!
316304
Spend time with my children and wife
803065
The children played outside while the weather was still pleasant.\n\nBelow are resources which offer help with English as a Second Language.
7097
There are so many out-of-school holidays for American children because in America children only have to go to school for about 180 days, give or take a few.
57890
I had fantabulous vacations too. But, I guess schools are good also. I sometimes get bored sittin' in my house all the time. I like my school (Believe it or not. But, vacations will always be missed I guess.\n\nYou have a good screen name Batgirl.\nKeep Rocking!
159434
it depends on what your custody papers say most generally if someone has full custody they can, if you have joint custody you get to see them whenever ordered some people get them summers ans holiday others keep them on weekends.
1158904
There are some great workbooks that you can get at the bookstore that review your child and start preparing them for their next grade. They are called summer bridge, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1887923098/sr=8-1/qid=1151354431/ref=sr_1_1/002-5647511-9834449?ie=UTF8.\n\nSome children get bored with workbooks and learn best hands on. Get involved at your local musuems and libraries, there are lots of free or inexpensive educational activities going on ALL summer long.\n\nIt's important to keep the summer structured, but keep a balance between work and play!
774857
That's a hard question but I think that it is time for you to take a family vacation. Take your 6 and 9 year old kids with you along with your boyfriend or husband and just go to Michigan. While you are in Michigan spend time with(younger kids, older kids, and husband or boyfriend) everyone. Do family activities like shopping, eating out, and just have a good time. Also talk to your 2 older kids and let them know that you are just one person and you can't do everything at once. Let them know that they are getting older and that they need to start acting like it.
1095324
You could talk about local events going on over the summer break that students may be doing or may be interested in signing up for. For example, find out local camps or citywide events (festivals, celebrations, volunteer opportunities, charity functions, etc.) that are happening in your area that would be of interest to the students. You could use this as a fun topic that relates to 'good behavior' by suggesting that these events are positive ways to channel student energy and prevent kids from getting into trouble because they are bored.
338061
Spring and Vacation?\nI am not entirely sure what you are asking.
75353
Spend time with my family
1041565
I like to go swimming with one of my favorite cousins. or I sleepover at her house. Or watch tv, work on the puzzle I have, or jump on the trampeline that I have. I like to go to amusement parks like Disney Land. Or Califonia Adventure. But I dont blame you for being bored. Summer is boring.