Soon the hazy, lazy days of summer will be upon us. We can all breathe a little easier knowing that schedules will not be as hectic, bedtimes will not be a priority, and relaxation can take a priority role in our lives for three glorious months. 

However, once the novelty of summer begins to wane, children and parents alike begin to long for some routine. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, children really do crave structure and routine.

Routines and Schedules

Even though school isn’t in session, structured learning should still hold space throughout the week. 

• Soon after school lets out, sit down with your child and map out the amount of work that is required for math and reading throughout the summer. Bear in mind that this work counts, as appropriate to grade level, when they return in September. It is a good idea to allocate a specific time of the week, or perhaps a certain time each day, for this work. Doing it in a sporadic manner will not lend to its importance.
   
• For younger children, allow them to “work” next to you while you work. That will teach them the value of being responsible for a job well-done.
   
• Decide on a “finish date.” Then count backwards from that date to find the halfway mark of the summer. Be sure to check in on this date to assure that at least half is completed by this time. This will avoid uncomfortable cramming to get it all in right at the end of the summer.
   
• Hold your child accountable to this schedule and credit them for their work and organization surrounding their responsibility of completing summer assignments in a meaningful way.

Creative Learning

Although keeping some routines is important, it is summer after all, so here are some great ideas to bump up your summer fun and go from boring to BAM!  

• Using cardboard tubes, tape, plastic cups, newspaper, etc. to make a marble run taped to the wall or another upright surface. Experiment with designs that slow the marble down or speed it up. Check out these Rube Goldberg ideas on Pinterest or search online for Rube Goldberg projects for inspiration. A two-story foyer makes a great starting point for an elaborate and impressive display!
   
• With a limited supply of various items – paper plates, copy paper, straws, paper clips – challenge children to build the tallest structure or the longest bridge they can. Increase the challenge by saying it must hold the weight of a tennis ball, a sneaker, or that it must withstand a “windspeed” from a fan set on high. This idea works well as a challenge between siblings who like to compete, but it also works well as a collaborative effort between them. Check out this site for more ideas.
   
• Go on an insect, bird, mammal, reptile, or plant photo safari. Have them take pictures of as many varieties of each group that they can find. Research the most interesting ones to learn more about them. Paint a picture of your favorite. Make an old-fashioned diorama that depicts as many examples of your finds as you can. You see where I am going with this! There are many resources online like The National Audobon Society to help you get started.
   
• Set up a store. Help your children learn to make change for items they “purchase.” Have them check their own work by keeping a calculator nearby.
   
• Have your child alphabetize your spice cabinet! This is awesome on so many levels! If you are an avid chef (who isn’t these days?), you will be so glad your child did this for you! Smoked Paprika! Yeah, we’ve got that!
   
• Sneak in a little math by using playing cards with math-related content. “War” can be tweaked so that the players have to answer a math fact (+, x) with the two cards thrown down. The fastest one to answer keeps the pair. 
• Each night, reflect on one new amazing thing they learned that day! Write it on a paper strip and stick them in a jar labeled “Things I Taught Myself This Summer.” 

A Challenge for the Parents

Enjoy these summer days ahead. Challenge and engage your child in positive and relaxed ways. Avoid falling into the trap of being “busy” all the time. Replace synonyms for “busy” with words like “productive, interesting, and abundant.” See if this small change rubs off on your child in a positive way. You only get 18 summers with them! Make this one count!
 

Vita Biddle is our Learning Specialist, LeApps™ Instructor, Middle School English teacher, Director of Secondary School Placement, and a team member of the Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning (CWIL).