Typically, summer is an ideal time to work on extra learning opportunities for students. However, this summer is anything but typical. Parents and children are anxious as a result of distance learning this past spring, having camps cancelled and uncertainty about what school will look like in the fall. So let’s look at engaging in academic growth this summer through a new lens. Start with the social-emotional well being of your child. Recognize the school year ahead will function differently and a crucial piece of laying the foundation for success is to practice skills that will help students become independent learners this fall. Work together as a family to create a system with weekly calendars and/or daily checklists. When children know what is expected and have an organizational system in place, they are less anxious. Allow children to have a say in how and when they will work on academic subjects this summer.
Read: Studies show that just 20 minutes of reading a day gives children a huge academic advantage. Increasing vocabulary, an understanding of the world and social situations are just a few of the benefits of reading. This summer set up a tent outside, read at the beach or pool, be creative and encourage your child to get excited about reading! Check out this recommended reading list: Reading lists for k-12 graders
Write: Writing is a lifelong skill enabling students to practice written expression for different audiences and purposes. While workbooks provide a practical way to practice the grammatical aspect of writing, the summer allows opportunities for children to write about high interest topics. This summer encourage students to write letters to friends and relatives with whom they have not connected recently. Create a community service opportunity and invite students to write letters to residents in nursing homes who are longing for visitors during the pandemic.
Math: Often students feel teachers move quickly through math concepts during the school year, so the summer is a great time to practice those foundational skills. Workbooks serve as a helpful tool as long as students are using the level they just finished in school rather than the level for the upcoming academic year–this way they practice and reinforce skills they were already taught. This summer play games as a family. Card games are great ways to practice counting and basic facts while board games can help develop critical thinking skills. Check out 7 Board Games that Teach Math
Type: Most students will engage in various forms of distance learning this fall. Young students should practice becoming efficient with typing. This summer, try free online typing programs such as BBC Type mat
Remember to relax and have fun together as a family. Give children a little break and know that if we focus on the social-emotional well being of children first, the academic piece will fall into place!
Check out the LS Tutors segment on NBC4. I speak with news anchor Melissa Mollet about maximizing summer opportunities for children and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Regards,
Lori Solovey
Owner, LS Tutors