Ok, with students on their summer vacation, this education reporter will also take a break for a week or so, starting tomorrow.

I’ll be headed to Mexico for some fun and relaxation but don’t plan to completely tune my brain out (at least that’s the hope!).

The trip will be an opportunity for me to catch up on some reading and hone my Spanish with the locals there.

I’m kind of taking a cue from state schools chief Jack O’Connell, who encourages families to help their kids keep up their learning and health during the summer lull.

So I’ll leave you with his Top 10 list on what parents and their children can do in that regard:

1. Turn off the television and computer and play outside. Encourage your children to join a city league to play team sports like baseball or swimming. Physical activity helps prevent the silent epidemic of childhood obesity. Teamwork teaches children about the values of helping, sharing, listening, respecting and participating. Contact your local parks and recreation department for team sports and summer activities.

2. Get puzzled. Play Sudoku or Scrabble with your children. These types of activities encourage children to think and solve problems. Find Sudoku puzzles or Scrabble on the Web, in bookstores or in game stores.

3. Collect stamps, coins or other historical items. Encourage your children to start a collection that may spur their interest to research facts about their hobby. Start at the post office for stamps. Search through antique stores or your attic for collectibles.

4. Start a journal, diary or scrapbook. These types of activities encourage children to write, organize their thoughts and spur creativity. You can start simply with a notebook and pencil. Or for more elaborate journals, craft stores often have a selection of scrapbook materials.

5. Make plans. Let your children help you schedule your day, plan a meal or assign chores. This helps children structure their activities and learn to meet deadlines.

6. Take them grocery shopping. Adding up the grocery bill helps your kids practice their math skills. Let them choose the fruits and vegetables to teach them how to make healthy choices.

7. Plan dinner. Learning to cook will teach your kids to be self-sufficient and independent. Preparing meals requires math and reading skills. You never know - your child could be the next great chef.

8. Set aside time each day to read. Read the morning newspaper with your children or find them a good book at the library. Reading keeps their minds active and engaged and ready to learn when they go back to school. Search the California Department of Education’s Recommended Literature database, which will help you find age-appropriate materials.

9. Encourage children to create their own job. Children can get training to be babysitters. Or they can pet-sit, house-sit or take care of your neighbors’ plants while they are on vacation. These activities help children learn about responsibility and financial literacy. The American Red Cross offers training for babysitters.

10. Volunteer. Encourage your children to help some elderly neighbors or a charitable organization. These activities help children learn about sacrifice and good citizenship. Find volunteer opportunities at CaliforniaVolunteers.

Let me know what you think about these ideas and if you plan to try any. Or if you have some other suggestions, by all means share them here.

Otherwise, nos vemos y cuidate!