It is hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close! I remember feeling as a parent that it would be a welcome relief to get a break from nightly homework and making lunches! By the end of the school year both tasks seemed to be getting a little tedious. And the lunch repertoire was most definitely getting limited! As a principal I looked forward to having time to reflect on the past school year and to start the important work of planning for September all over again! But I must admit by mid-July the empty hallways felt too quiet – I began to miss the happy hum of the students!
Parents and educators hear and worry a lot about the dreaded “Summer Brain Drain” for our children. I would like to encourage all families and educators to turn that notion topsy-turvy and instead think of summer as an opportunity for “Summer Brain Gain!” Below are a few of my suggestions for finding the just right balance for kids during the summer months. And I do mean balance. Children and high school students alike need time for fun and even some unscheduled, unplugged, darn right boring moments. Imagination and creativity can blossom when there is room and time to indulge.
A few suggestions to support the “Summer Brain Gain:”
*If your child’s school provides suggestions and/or requirements for reading fantastic, but if not – ask for Summer Reading Suggestions by levels (check out this website A Parent’s Guide to Guided Reading for more info. on Guided Reading Levels). Also, your local Library should offer all types of summer reading resources and they will have air conditioning! If Math assignments (age appropriately) are not provided ask for suggestions on how to keep skills active. Teachers should be able to provide lots of strong online resources which are easily accessible and effective.
*Board Games, card games – any and all are so great for playing together and can help strengthen math skills while building cooperation and good sportsmanship skills.
*Visit museums on a hot or rainy day. Taking the time to explore exhibitions is true heaven. Here in Philadelphia many like the Barnes Museum offer free entrance on Sundays!
*Nature is calling us out. Take advantage and get outdoors. Load up on sunscreen and make the most of the summer in your own backyard, park, beach or trail!
*Encourage a journal/sketchbook – any notebook or pad will do. Keep their pencils and pens wriggling right through the summer and it will be so beneficial in multiple ways.
*If you all are lucky enough to travel have your child document the trip by writing and taking photos. Try to keep in touch maybe the “old school way” with postcards. If they doesn’t “fly” with your guidance once you are home have them help you post your trip experiences on social media!
For older students:
*Encourage them to start all assigned summer work early on – if they wait until the end of August to cram it all in…it’s losing its academic purpose. Maybe have some good reads on audio – we know this generation loves their headphones – let’s work with them!
*Share subscriptions you might have with online resources – for example The Wall Street Journal can have tons of good reads for high school students…especially on Saturdays. Anyway you can keep them reading and thinking critically is a win-win for their brain power.
*They may hem and haw but cajole them into to joining you on any type of summer exploration. Here in Philadelphia we have the new American Revolution Museum. Somehow I am going to get my college aged son there before he heads off again!
As your child brings home their work and accomplishments take the time to have them share each and every piece! Listen closely to what they are proud of and/or what was challenging. Those precious moments where you as a family celebrate their efforts are simply priceless and so important to a child/student. You are showing them that you care not only about grades and their report card but also about the actual work and persistence they have demonstrated. Creativity and effort go hand in hand for true, authentic learning.
Happy Summer! Principal’s Notebook blogs will return with the start of the new school year! I hope you enjoy lots of special moments with your family and get a well deserved break from making daily lunches!
Cheers!
Laine