helping jewish families grow

Ann and George Mann and their chil-
dren aim for an educational summer,
but with plenty of free time, too.

■

ELIZABETH APPLEBAUM

Apple Tree Editor

S

ome children believe summer is
the time to let their brains drift
off to a far, far away place — a
place where teachers don't exist, where
the biggest math challenge is 1+1, and
reading comic books is the most intel-
lectual experience of the day.
And then there are children like
Mirele, Daniel, Gabriel and Ariel
Mann of Franklin. These four are for-
tunate enough to have Ann Mann as
their mother. Ann makes certain her
children's brains remain functional
throughout the summer.
"I always like to connect activities
[everything from watching movies to
having birthday parties] with a learn-
ing experience," Ann explains.
It's great to have lazy days of sum-
mer. But after awhile those lazy days
can get downright dreary. If you're
looking for new ways to have fun dur-
ing the summer, consider Ann Mann's
blueprint.

Looking for new ideas for family fun this
hot summer? Here are some great ideas to
help your children learn and play.

"This year, I'm introducing my chil-
dren to the idea of learning how to
earn a little money," she says.
Each child (except the youngest) got
a job. Ariel, 16, is working at the
Holocaust Memorial Center in
Farmington Hills. Daniel, who is

about to turn 15, is a caddy at a coun-
try club. Mirele, 13'/2, is baby sitting.
Gabriel, 8, is still a little young for
work — so he's going to Camp
Willoway.
This is the first step. After the chil-
dren have earned some money, Ann

and her husband, George, plan to help
them set up bank accounts with their
funds — and learn how to save.
The Mann children also spend a lot
of summer time reading, sometimes
traveling, and going to the library. In
the evening, the Manns often watch a
movie, after which they'll discuss what
happened and why, and what they
thought of what went on.
The key is to weave intellectual
experiences with the fun. For example,
when the Manns host a birthday party
(almost always at their home because
"a child feels special when you do
something for him. I don't like to just
take them somewhere [to celebrate],
Ann says"), it usually has a theme.
The family has hosted a speaker on
Native American culture, and an
expert on unusual animals. (Then you
can top it off with plenty of silly fun,
like a balloon fight, Ann says).
Play/educational experiences can
come from unexpected sources. The
Manns invite friends, who can share
No SUMMERTIME BLUES on page 28

7/ 7

2005

27