Here in South Carolina, It’s roughly 13 – 15 days before
summer break. Some districts here release as Memorial Day Weekend begins and
some conclude on June 3. As teachers
prepare to get rested and rejuvenated for the fall, what will your little ones
be doing all summer? How can you keep them on track? What will prevent those
developed brains from turning to mush? Summer learning losses are real concerns
when kids aren’t active during summer months. Here are a few suggestions that
are easy to implement.
1. Keep a routine – While summer
is important time for students to rest and the recommended amount of sleep for
school age children is around 10 hours; keep some necessary tasks during the
break. For example, chores should stay intact. Children should still take care
of their normal cleaning responsibilities. It’s important for them to get some
time outside or some sort of exercise. For smaller children, keep naptime. They
need those procedures they’re used to in place.
2. Require Reading – There are
several apps, games, video game systems, and the internet to keep them busy,
but the best way to get better at reading is to read. Even if it’s just 10 – 30
minutes each day (varying depending on the child’s age), keep them reading and
building their vocabulary. Encourage your child to read something fun that may
not have been able to read during the school year. For example: Diary of A
Wimpy Kid is a very entertaining read, but it’s not exactly on the list of
classics.
3. Family Time is A Must – With
relief from some of the afternoon stressors such as dance practice, recitals,
sports, and band that usually leave more time to resume the family dinner. Families
sitting down together promote communication among all members of the family. This
also helps with language and soft skills. One of the biggest complaints about
students entering the work force is their lack of soft skills. Through the
family dinner, students learn how to listen and it helps expand their
vocabulary.
Summer is a fun and restorative time for educators and
students alike, make the best use of your down time. Relax, Release, and Enjoy!
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