As a child I was so excited for summer break, it was almost 3 months of no school and beautiful weather!!! Our winter season added a few snow days which extended the end of the school year. I was excited to move to our new school district because I knew my DD would receive necessary support services. In January, we met with the guidance counselor, psychologist, special education teacher and her homeroom teacher to review her IEP(Individualized Education Program). I was a little anxious with how she was going to transition between two teachers and separate classes. After a few weeks of getting acclimated and the assistance of an emotional support teacher she was off to a great start. Her progress at the mid year review parent/teacher conference was phenomenal!!!!
During the last week of school, her library hosts an end of year library event for students in grades K-5. All the kids who attend are given grade level books to read over the summer. This was a great way to send the kids off for the summer with a stockpile of books. Most of my daughter’s books were brand new. Prior to the event parents were asked to volunteer to host the event, donate refreshments items and books for various grade levels.
My goal for the summer was to keep the momentum going during the summer months without a break for learning. After participating in a workshop last year I realized how much is lost over the summer. I guess the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” applies during summer break. For my DD I wanted to encourage her as much as possible by utilizing fun math workbooks, books from the library event and a subscription to Highlights. The fact that Highlights is still in circulation was a shock after all of these years. This magazine was a big treat as a kid because you received personal mail and then there were the fun activities inside. I would get lost for hours!!!!
It has been a challenge to stay on a schedule. We started off strong in June but have sizzled off in the month of July. I believe DD’s camp activities are exhausting and she is physically drained once she gets home. We also visited our local library and now DD has her own library card. My fingers are crossed!!!! I remember trips to my local library and this is no cost fun right in our backyard.
Do you have a summer learning curriculum? How do you get your child(ren) to stay focused with the downtime? and additional activities draining their energy levels?