The last thing your kids probably want to do right now is think about going back to school in the fall. And who could blame them, right? But doing any of these five things over the summer months will make the back to school process seem a little less daunting and keep their minds sharp (and maybe yours too!).

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1. Read!

Anyone and everyone can benefit from the simple task of reading. Take your kids to the library and let them explore. Our local Evansville libraries, as well as other local libraries, have tons of engaging activities and summer reading programs to keep your kid's brain engaged.

2. Talk!

Having daily discussions (over the dinner table would work wonderfully) about events going on in your lives and the world will keep both you and your kids sharp and will provide you with many powerful life lesson opportunities as well as gaining insight into who your child is and how he or she thinks.

3. Keep a routine.

This tip will probably be met with some grumbling from us all (myself included!), but keeping a regular routine promotes wellness and will make the fall transition that much easier. That's not to say you have to wake up at 6am every morning if that's what you do for school, but just got to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

4. Take a vacation!

Vacations can become excellent learning opportunities in disguise. Even if you can't afford to take a vacation to some distant, exotic locale, there are numerous educational trips you can take. Visit zoos, aquariums, museums, art galleries, historical sites, planetariums, nature preserves, state parks--whatever you and your child find interesting and entertaining.

5. Visit the school.

This is especially important if your child is transitioning to a new school. It's easy for kids to get anxious about going somewhere new, so taking them to see the school, walk the halls, and get an idea of what will be expected of them will go a long way in putting their minds at ease come fall.

Extra tip:

On Saturday, July 26, 2014, come out to the 5th annual Back to School Expo at Eastland Mall from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come and check out what is new for this year's fall "back to school" season.

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