. >> ann dolan is a former fairfax county schooleacher and mother. she's also the founder of educational connection, an in-home tutoring service. one of the best ways to keep kids mentally sharp is by reading. >> that is really the start, engaging kids, t even signim up for your local good old fashioned library program where they can be incentivized andte moti to read books this they love. >>f a reluctant reader, audio books are a good option too. >> stues showhat that's just as positive and helpful than reading books independently. newnd teaching your child a skill over the summer like cooking is another easy way to integrateh into their day. >>n if it's oh, can you measure a half a cup of what's half of a half a cup,enetting themged. asking them to measu the ingredients is a very easy way to incorporate math. >> look for creative ways to bring the classroom into your home with flash acards. >>time you can have that part to learning and not just a thatitory part by reciting facts, you're more likely to cement it into your memory. >> how abo a multip

. >> that's where technology can come into play ann dolan runs educational connection. she says those digital devices your kids love can be used strategically to learn a new skill and inspire their curiosity. >> la nina. >> it helps kids learn a foreign language. she said sure 5-year-old is obsessed with learning german because of lingo. he does it independently. it is soin engaging a video game format, kids love using it. >>or middle schoolchildren, skillshare. it teaches them how to coer dit recipes, photography. there are thousands of courses on this app. some of them are free. another app called skyviewra encous kids to look up and learn by gazing at the stars. . >> this is fascinating, especially for kids that love science or if you want your child to be interestedin astronomy. they take their iphone or ipad and point it the sky. it can identifya star perns, satellites or constellations. kids can learn just by shooting and pointing and learning abt ro astno astmy >> and it is backed by bill andeth melinda gates associati. kindergarten through early collegyes fromod

. >> reporter: anne dolan is former fairfax county schoolteacher and mother of two.ng service and says one of the best ways to keep kids mentally sarp is by reading. >> that is really the start. engaging kids, even signing ther up f your local good old-fashioned library program where tey can be incentivized and motivated to read books that they love. >> reporter: if you have a reluctant reader, audio books are a good option, too. >> in fact, studies show that's just as positive and helpful in reading books independently. >> reporter: and teaching your child a new skill over the summer, like cooking, is an easy way to integrate math into their day. >> so even if 's, oh, can you measure half a cup or, w at's half of a half a cup, getting them engaged and asking them to measure out ingredients and mix it up and be super happy with the outcome is a great way t incorporate math. >> and look for creative ways to bng the clag room into your home with flashcards. >> any timean you c have that sight learning rather than just reciting facts you're more likely to seer it into y