Fight summer brain fatigue Five ways to keep kids engaged and
enlightened over the summer break. By GreatSchools Staff Arm
your kids with a video camera — something relatively
inexpensive, like the Flip ($199), is fine — and let them try
making their own films. For a more collaborative experience,
gather a group of their friends, so they can assemble their own
cast. Suggest they act out a scene from a favorite book, or let
them work together to write a short screenplay. When they're
finished with their film, family and friends make the perfect
audience. For deeper insights into the filmmaking process,
parents can talk to children about famous film directors before
watching a few of their kid-friendly films. While your young
filmmakers might not produce the next 2001: A Space Odyssey,
their movies should be a lot of fun for everyone, not to mention
a unique chance to learn. Next: Littlest book club »