Countdown to Summer Learning Fun!
Written by By Kelly Mize
Article provided courtesy of ParentLife magazine.
Busy, busy, busy. The last month of the school year catches many parents off guard and can bring with it an overwhelming list of projects, activities, and events. I often hear comments such as, “I can’t believe how the school year has flown by” or “I don’t know how we’ll ever get it all done!” Most parents, teachers, and students look forward to summer, but the final stretch can also bring significant stress. As your family gears up for the end of the school year, be prepared to experience a little “May Madness,” but don’t let it get you down.
| · | Keep your focus. Summer is not here yet! Keep your child enthusiastic about the present. Most children gave important tests and projects due at this time. | ||
| · | Enter your child’s world. Participate in as many end-of-the-year activities as possible. Activities such as field day, awards day, and other school programs provide parents with ample opportunity to get involved. Your participation in these events shows your child that you are supportive of him and his school. | ||
| · | Do not forget to say thank you. The rule for teacher gifts truly is, “It is the thought that counts.” A small homemade gift or handwritten note from a parent or student means more to most teachers than any elaborate offering. It is also a nice idea to remember school personnel other than your child’s homeroom teacher. Anyone who spends time with your child each week deserves a thank you. | ||
| · | Pass the test. When standardized test scores arrive (usually sent home the last month of school or mailed to your home), praise your child for his hard work no matter what the results. Remember that test scores are only one way to assess a student’s academic progress. | ||
| · | Volunteer when possible. Most teachers welcome help of any kind during thisbusy season. If you have the time to give, ask your child’s teacher what you can do to lend a hand as she wraps up the school year. | ||
| · | Settle up. Make sure all fees and dues for the school year are paid to the school, teacher, or room parent. | ||
| · | Preserve memories together. As the school year draws to a close, collect important mementos and make a scrapbook or portfolio with your child. Include pictures, art projects, and special assignments. Review the school year by looking at the yearbook together. Get your child’s perspective about the things and people that made the year a good one. | ||
The Summer “Slide”
Long before the final school bell rings, make plans for keeping your child’s mind active over summer break. Everyone looks forward to the unique aspects of summer life: vacations, swimming, sleep! But as you are planning, do not forget to include activities that encourage learning and maintain the skills mastered in the previous year of school. The loss of skills during summer due to lack of reading and practicing skills has been widely recognized. Follow these suggestions for avoiding that summer “slide:”
| · | Obtain a good list of books your child can read over the summer. Most teachers, especially in the upper grades, send home a summer reading list. Or your library is a great place to find a summer reading program. | ||
| · | Plan to use any useful educational material that is sent home at the end of the year. Most teachers send home school supplies, learning activities, and unfinished workbooks that help with skills maintenance during the summer. | ||
| · | Consider subscribing to a children’s magazine beginning with the June issue, such as More , Adventure , or Bible Express . You may choose a magazine on a topic of specific interest (sports, nature, crafts), such as Ranger Rick, Boy’s Life, or Girl’s Life. | ||
| · | If your child does not already have a library card, visit the library and get one now. While you are there, check out what library events are scheduled for the summer. | ||
| · | Plan summer vacations that are both educational and fun. Schedule excursions to museums, aquariums, and historical spots. The internet contains almost limitless travel information. Let your child research your destination and help plan the trip. | ||
Blast Off!
Finally, the long awaited moment arrives…the first day of summer vacation! Now what? Most people have great intentions for a summer filled with fun and learning. Somehow, though, actually following through on the well-laid plans proves to be a little more difficult. Avoid procrastination by implementing your strategy at the beginning of summer vacation, before other things get in the way. Remember that every little bit of skills maintenance you do is beneficial to learning and provided a worthwhile way for you to spend time with your child.
Asses your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses based on evaluation tools (report cards, standardized tests, and teacher conferences). Use your own creativity, along with published teaching aids, to make summer learning plans. Consider these ideas to get you started:
| · | Read. Designate a personal reading time each day. Also make it a priority to read aloud to your child, no matter how old he is. | ||
| · | Play outside. Encourage your child to play outside and interact with siblings and friends daily. Set limits on television, computer, and video game time. | ||
| · | Cook. Grocery shopping and measuring ingredients can be a great way to practice math skills. | ||
| · | Play a game. Many board games provide a great opportunity for a child to strategize and use thinking skills in a fun way. | ||
| · | Write. Have your child write about summer experiences in a journal or in a story form. | ||
| · | Seize the day. Everyday activities such as a trip to the store or post office, can be educational. Take advantage of teachable moments. | ||
| · | Map it. Before you leave to go on a road trip, make copies of different types of maps. If you will be driving across the country, provide a blank map of the United States and have your child color each state that you visit or pass through. An older child can calculate mileage and help navigate. | ||
| · | Fly high. An airplane flight provides numerous learning possibilities. Allow time for your child to help find the correct gate and terminal. Bring a long a child’s illustrated book to read on the airplane together. | ||
| · | Don’t overdo it. Remember, summer is meant to be a well-deserved break from the fast pace of the school year. Take one week of the summer for a fun Christian camp like Centri-Kid or Crosspoint. | ||
It is important to encourage educational opportunities throughout the summer break. Expose your child to activities that stimulate learning. But also remember to relax and have fun spending extra time together. Before you know it, the school bells will be ringing again!
Kelly Mize is a teacher turned stay-at-home mom with a master’s degree in elementary education. She and her husband, Wade, live in Madison, Alabama, with their children, Grant and Claire.