The best time of the year is here, also known as summer! It’s an exciting time of change for kids as they get some much-needed time off of school. While we are all ready for some summer fun, it’s important to remember that the school-to-summer switch can take some getting used to for kids.
After the last school bell rings, kids are left without the structure they have been accustomed to. They now have a lot of free time that school normally fills. Before you send the kids off to their summer activities, make sure they have made the school-to-summer adjustments they need. Keep reading to learn some ways to make this summer transition easier for your child!
6 Ways to Ease the School to Summer Transition
Develop a Similar Routine
Routines are important for children, even during summer break. Although summer vacations are meant to be enjoyable, a little bit of organization doesn’t hurt. Creating a simplified version of your child’s school routine will ease the rough transition from the school year to summer break. This can be as simple as making sure your child gets up and brushes their teeth at the same time every day.
Maintaining parts of your child’s school year routine means that they won’t have to adjust to an entirely new routine. This will also allow your child to have a smooth transition once summer is over and they are ready to head back to school.
Create a Schedule Together
Although schedules and summer vacation don’t always sound like they go hand in hand, they can be an important tool to help children feel more comfortable with the transition from school to summer. Schedules don’t always have to be boring! Include time for outdoor activities, reading time, and even playtime with friends.
Once again, this doesn’t have to be a super elaborate schedule, keep it simple! Include daily activities such as meal times, daily chores, and bedtime so your child can anticipate what the day will entail. A way to make your child’s schedule even more fun is to include them while making it. Ask them what activities they are most looking forward to this summer and be sure to include them.
Make A Summer Vacation Wish List
Summer is a perfect time to enjoy some quality time together as a family. Whether your plans this summer include a cross-country vacation or just hanging out at home, there are plenty of activities to keep your family busy.
Sit down with your family and create a summer vacation wishlist. Encourage your children to express what they are most excited to do this summer, whether that be going to the public pool or going on a family picnic. Then, compile those ideas into a summer vacation wish list. Your kids will know exactly what they can get excited about this summer!
This could also be a good time to plan a family field trip. There are plenty of summer activities here in Kenosha; make sure to explore while the weather is nice! And if you choose to take your exploration elsewhere, make sure to check out these 5 tips for traveling with kids.
Encourage Outdoor Activities (Limit Screen Time)
While it’s tempting for children to sit in front of a screen this summer, it is important to remember how crucial it is for kids to play outside.
With the exception of rainy days, encourage your kids to get outside! It is so important for children’s mental and physical health to spend time outdoors. Consider taking your children to the local park or pool, to get in that much-needed time away from screens. Summertime for kids can be a challenge as they don’t have the same amount of social interaction as they do during the school year with their peers, so consider setting up an outing with their friends outside.
On those rainy days when kids are stuck inside, you don’t have to resort to watching TV. Encourage your children to partake in other activities indoors. Those could be as simple as reading a book, craft activities, building Legos, or playing a board game.
Enroll in Summer Camp
Planning activities for your child before the school year ends can help them look forward to summer. Summer camps provide children with a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors, make new friends, and learn valuable life skills in a fun and supportive environment. While many families may view summer camp as simply a way to keep their children entertained during the summer months, the benefits of attending camp go far beyond mere entertainment.
Here at Cornerstone Academy, we offer a summer camp for current and new families. Registration is due by May 25th and our camp begins June 17. Learn more on our website.
Keep Learning Fun Things
Beat the summer slide and push for your children to learn new things this summer. Encourage your child to learn new things that they are interested in. Whether that is taking them to the zoo, playing brain games, or testing out a new experiment, you are keeping their mind active and engaged without even knowing.
This will not only help them pass the summer without getting bored, but it will also keep their minds in good shape and prepare them for the upcoming school year.
Have a great summer!
