![]() “Summer days are long, but time is short,” Whittaker says. Other times, it might mean pulling out the board games or drawing with chalk outside. This might mean giving the kids time to chill with their favorite shows and video games some days. It’s essential to include time for relaxation and fun. “A staycation can also provide fantastic learning opportunities at local museums, national parks and so much more,” Wilson adds. You might spend a day at the local splash pad, visiting a library you’ve never been to or searching for caterpillars in your own front yard. Vacations are typically the first thing that comes to mind when we think about summer plans, but exploration can happen anywhere. “Summer is a great time to explore your local community or perhaps somewhere out of the area,” Wilson says. “Check out your local library summer reading programs or story time,” Wilson advises. When it comes to books, follow kids’ interests and see if there are opportunities in your community to make reading fun. Even jumping rope and singing simple rhymes can improve fine motor skills and promote literacy. Building a backyard fort can help kids learn planning, sequencing and problem solving. Instead, encourage lots of reading and have fun making all sorts of activities into opportunities to learn.įor example, she adds, cooking a recipe together can provide practice with literacy skills and math. ![]() “Getting their input on schedules will help them to feel in control and powerful.” Reading and educationĮducational activities are welcome on summer schedules, but make sure your summer days don’t turn into summer school, Whittaker says. “Some children require more scaffolding when it comes to accomplishing tasks, while others may rebel against the checklist method and be able to accomplish tasks without it,” says Whittaker. It’s up to you and the child to decide how detailed to be. Essential daily tasksįor some kids, especially very young ones, a summer schedule can offer a helpful nudge to remember important daily tasks, like brushing teeth, getting dressed and doing simple chores. Here are the main categories to consider when creating your own summer schedule for kids. “Some kids thrive by being creatures of habit with a more regimented schedule, while other kids love the flexibility of an on-a-whim, spur-of-the moment type of day,” says Donna Whittaker, a veteran early childhood educator and Vice President of Curriculum and Education at Big Blue Marble Academy. So, what should be included in a summer schedule for kids?Įven though we can all benefit from some sort of schedule or routine, how that looks may be different for each child, caregiver and family. “Children of all ages (and even adults) thrive on routines and structure,” says Allison Wilson, an early childhood educator and the Senior Director of Curriculum and Innovation at Stratford School. Keeping kids in a routine, particularly if that routine includes consistent opportunities for learning and play, can help them keep learning all season long.Ī good summer schedule or routine can also help kids stay active and prevent stress and anxiety. ![]() Research shows that kids can lose between 17-34% of the year’s prior learning during the summer. One major benefit is that it can help prevent the so-called summer slide. ![]() There are a lot of good reasons to stick to a summer schedule for your kid. Why do I need a summer schedule for kids? Here are six examples of summer routines for kids from real parents and caregivers, as well as expert advice on how to build your own. We know what you’re thinking: “Oh no, do I have to come up with activities?” Luckily, creating a boredom-busting summer schedule for kids is actually pretty easy. They’re often colorful and stuffed to the brim with activities. You’ve probably seen examples on Pinterest or Instagram. This year, why not squash it before it starts by implementing a summer schedule? Kids (and their parents and caregivers) wait all year long for these long, sunny days, but it’s usually only a matter of time before the “I’m bored” chorus begins. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |