Summer is so close we can practically smell the vegetables roasting on the barbecue! And with summer, comes vacation and the promise of freedom. While your children may already be brimming with anticipation of their summer vacations, it's still important to keep them focused on ending the school year on a positive note.

Focus on Brain Food

While children power through final exams and projects, they will need as much energy as they can get. Eating super foods, like beets, spinach, and berries, can help them maintain a higher level of attention and improves cognitive function. For a tasty study snack serve up some Beet & Bean Salad Crostinis that are packed with Libby's® Sliced Beets and Cut Green Beans, as well as another super food - walnuts.

Create a Last-Day-of-School Kit

The last day of school can create a bittersweet moment for your children. While they associate summer with more free time, it can also keep them apart from their friends because of busy vacation or camp schedules. Help your child make a "last-day-of-school kit," complete with note cards to write down friends' phone numbers or email addresses, as well as gifts for their teachers and classmates.

Turn Playtime into Educational Fun

School may be out, but the learning doesn't have to stop! Make learning fun and teach your little ones about the scientific properties of solids and liquids as their Peachy Pops freeze, or about money management while playing a board game on a rainy day.