3 Reasons Why a Well-Rounded Summer Schedule Is Important for Students
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When the final bell rings on the last day of school, many students rush home with
excitement. Summer break offers plenty of time for fun and relaxation, and children
need that time to physically and mentally prepare for the upcoming school year.
Unfortunately, some children don’t always have enough direction and often times fail to
make good choices during their time off from school. Here are some tips to help plan a
well-rounded break for your child to potentially prevent experimentation with the
summer slide, illicit substances, and other common issues.
The Summer Slide is Real
Teachers cram a ton of information into the 8 or 9 months that your child attends school.
When the school year ends, many students struggle to remember concepts they
learned. Experts often refer to this issue as the summer slide, and it can set students
back several grade levels. Low-income children are generally the most susceptible to
the damaging effects of the summer slide, but it affects all ages and income levels.
A study by The Wallace Foundation suggests that children should attend an educational
program for at least 5 to 6 weeks for a minimum of 3 hours a day. The foundation
believes this may prevent summer learning loss and help prepare students for the
upcoming school year. If your child doesn’t want to commit to a lengthy program like
this, you have other options:
● Enroll your child in a STEM camp
● Plan a weekly visit to an educational facility, such as a science center or
aquarium
● Sign up for one-day seminars or courses that help students strengthen skills in a
specific area
● Purchase age-appropriate software that educates children using games and
other fun techniques
● Attend educational events at your local library
Keep in mind that your child doesn’t necessarily require a formal setting if they want to
master or retain skills. Provide interesting books and magazines for your child so they
don’t fall behind on vocabulary or reading. Turn daily tasks into educational
opportunities for younger students by saying things like, “I have an apple and a banana.
How many pieces of fruit am I having with my lunch?”
Boredom May Trigger Poor Choices
Without a school schedule to contend with, summer offers up more opportunities to
make less than ideal choices. And while drug use among teens continues to decline
each year, that doesn’t mean it no longer exists, so do what you can to keep lines of
communication open with your child. Before summer arrives, have some one-on-one
conversations with your pre-teen/teen, getting their thoughts or concerns about what's
going on in their world -- try to be more of a listener and less of a reactor. It’s also a
good idea to help them prepare for tough things they might struggle with as they get
older (think peer pressure, bullying, or college admission stress, to name a few).
If you’re concerned about your teen making bad choices, keep them busy with activities
they enjoy. Spend time together as a family, even if you can only set aside 30 minutes a
day. And always talk to your teen about the dangerous effects of drug and alcohol use,
and set a positive example.
Memories Matter
When you think about your childhood, what memories come to mind? Were your
parents distant and busy, or did you enjoy family vacations and delicious dinners
together?
Memories of childhood experiences help your child define their identity. Happy
memories help your child feel loved and safe, which may help boost their confidence
and fend off feelings of depression and anxiety. This may also help your child resist the
appeal of drugs and alcohol down the road.
Your child may feel they’re to blame for a tension-filled summer, so take care not to
involve them in adult matters. Think about the effect that your actions have on your
child, and behave accordingly. Encourage your child to keep a journal to document
emotions during the break, and keep the lines of communication open so your child
feels comfortable discussing important issues.
Help your child make memories by paying attention to the things they enjoy. If they
collect boats, consider renting a kayak or canoe at the park. If they love animals, visit
the zoo or a farm together. These activities keep you both busy during summer break,
but they also show that you care about your child’s interests.
The choices you make during summer break can impact your child’s upcoming school
year - and maybe even the rest of their life. Plan a well-rounded summer schedule for
your child, whether they’re in preschool or high school, to keep them busy and foster
good choices.