The Best Ways to Be Active and Avoid the “Summertime Slide”
I remember summer vacation and the siren call to bike to the beach with friends, hang out together, and just have fun. Kids are naturally excited to have freedom to do whatever they want, which can include being on their phones, watching tv or youtube, pursuing their passions and hanging with friends. Many want to decompress and relax. And having a break from the rigor of school--getting up early, being in class all day, and challenging classwork-- is important.
But the long weeks of summer can result in the “summertime slide,” in which kids’ knowledge and skills can slide precipitously if they are not reading and practicing some math. How do you prevent that and still have an enjoyable vacation? Here are a few ways to keep the days running smoothly during summer vacation.
Create structure
We all do better with some structure to organize our day. After your child has had several days to relax, consider introducing a schedule that incorporates chores, activities, time to read and do math, and limited screen time. The goal is to find a good balance of play, work, and healthy downtime without overscheduling your kids.
How do you build structure?
Build structure into each day and week with some general rules and expectations. This works best when you can have a discussion with your child and get his or her input, for example, asking him which chores he’d like to take on, what time of day he’d like to do them, etc. This gives him some ownership in the process.
Adding structure is really about creating a plan for each day. You might write a weekly calendar that includes your child doing his dishes in the morning, completing his household chores, and then reading for an hour or practicing some math. Then the day is his to be with friends, go to the beach or park, be active, and/or work. Consider a rule that electronics are only allowed after 6pm.
A whiteboard or chalkboard calendar posted in the kitchen or central spot with each child’s activities, jobs, and reminders is a great reminder for kids and allows them to check off their daily tasks.
Creating daily structure helps kids have an idea of what to expect in the day, and this helps establish a feeling of security. And, establishing a routine that incorporates healthy habits begins to ingrain these habits into kids’ lives and becomes an expectation that each day will include time to read/ do math, be active, and follow through on your responsibilities.
Limit screen time
Adding structure to the day helps kids know what’s expected of them and helps them feel confident, and it’s a perfect opportunity to add boundaries to how much screen time your child should have. Include your child in the discussion about screen time, and create rules that you both can live with regarding when the tv goes on, and for how long, as well as other screen time on the computer and phone.
Kids are never going to ask for structure and rules, and they will inevitably grouch about them, but they thrive with some structure and boundaries. If your child pushes back against the rules you enforce, know that this is a sign you’re doing your job as a loving parent. You show your love and care for your child when you hold your kids to boundaries.
Read
Kids often won’t open a book until September. But those kids who do read in the summer are more likely to gain skills in reading and comprehension and can learn to really enjoy reading (if
they don’t already). Reading through the summer helps students develop and maintain skills and achieve at higher levels once they return to school.
How you can help
Choose a book that is the right level for your child and read the book with her. That may mean that you each read separately, and there may be times that you read aloud. We all enjoy being read aloud to, so try to find time to read out loud. They are never too old to enjoy this, believe me.
Talk about what you are reading
When you are making dinner together, doing the dishes, driving in the car, take the time to talk about the book you are both reading. Ask questions, using “Why?” and “How?” and open-ended questions to get your child to open up and have a discussion. Try to avoid questions where he can give you a simple “yes” or “no.”
In discussing the story, share what you like or don’t like about the plot, characters, or what it made you think of. You’ll gain a better awareness of your child’s comprehension as you discuss the novel and model your thoughts and understanding of the book.
Model reading
Try to carve out time to sit down and reading silently, side by side, with your child. If your rule is one hour of reading each morning, and if you read with her, that is a powerful message that reading is important and enjoyable. You are setting aside the myriad things you need to get done to sit and read. Try to find a time where you can sometimes read along with your child.
A few math problems a week keeps you sharp
Check out Khan Academy. It’s an easy online math website that teaches all levels of math with practice problems and videos. Try making math practice a game with incentives. For younger kids and middle schoolers, every video that your child watches and practices can earn him points toward a fun outing or time with mom or dad. A high schooler can earn gas money or whatever creative idea that motivates her. Even if it’s twice a week for half an hour, you are helping maintain those math skills that otherwise can weaken over the course of ten weeks.
Plan family-based activities
Plan active family-based adventures together, whether it’s biking, mini-golfing, heading to the beach or mountains, going camping or kayaking. Establishing strong family bonds is beneficial for every one of us, and strong family ties help keep our kids feeling secure and confident.
Contact Achievement Academics to see how we can help you or your student develop these important skills.
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