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As a mother of four, my ideal summer days often fall short of reality. Sure, we could embrace spontaneity, zipping from parks to pools and indulging in fast food. However, both my kids and I flourish within the structure of a routine. While fun is essential, an endless cycle of play without any responsibilities typically leads to grumpy kids and a chaotic home. No, thank you!
Each weekday during summer, my children receive a to-do list that includes chores, tutoring sessions, music practice, and yes, some academic work. I’m the type of parent who believes in incorporating educational tasks into our summer schedule.
Before you comment, let me clarify why we include schoolwork in our summer routine. It’s not about helping them catch up or preventing them from falling behind. The past year and a half has been tough for all students given the pandemic, and the last thing kids need is additional stress. I’m not trying to prepare my kids for standardized tests or aim for them to graduate early. In fact, I believe the pressure placed on students and educators is excessive, risking a love for learning in favor of mere performance. And, as a former teacher, I’ve seen this firsthand.
So why do I assign my kids academic tasks during summer? Don’t they deserve a break? Sure, they could have a carefree summer, but I believe that three months without learning isn’t the best plan.
First off, having work to do keeps them occupied and reduces their complaints about boredom or constant requests for snacks. I can’t entertain them all summer, and I’m sure you can’t either! Most parents juggle jobs and other responsibilities, and being the entertainment director for the entire summer is exhausting.
By engaging in daily academic activities, my kids focus on subjects where they need improvement, which helps boost their confidence and practice essential skills. Skipping three months of practice leads to a challenging adjustment come fall, resulting in frustration and tears. Even if they don’t fully appreciate it now, this routine is genuinely beneficial. Ignoring educational activities during summer only creates more significant challenges when school resumes.
I assign about thirty minutes of schoolwork each weekday. Yes, that’s right—just thirty minutes! Each child has their focus area: one works on math, while another concentrates on reading comprehension. We adapt our methods to suit each child’s needs, utilizing flashcards for math facts, occupational therapist-designed handwriting workbooks, and various school-provided websites for math practice. We do whatever it takes to make learning effective.
For parents pondering whether to assign schoolwork over the summer, I encourage you to consider it if you think it would be advantageous. There are many options—enroll them in an online class, play educational games, find helpful apps or websites, or even hire a tutor. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
In our home, older siblings often assist younger ones. For instance, one of my tweens reads to her preschool sister twice a week, while another helps her third-grade brother with reading comprehension. My partner and I also take turns guiding the kids between our work tasks.
What if your child refuses to do the assigned work or only completes half of it? For us, it’s simple. Each day, they have a to-do list, and if they finish it, they earn an hour of tech time while we prepare dinner. If the tasks remain incomplete, tech time is off the table. This straightforward rule teaches responsibility for their choices. We review their work not for perfection but to ensure they understood the tasks and completed them. Plus, it allows us to stay informed about their academic progress and any gaps that need attention.
Another option is to encourage your kids to read more. Visit the library for free materials, explore local used bookstores, or swap books with friends. Let your children choose the topics and formats they enjoy. My kids, for example, adore graphic novels—the sillier, the better! I’m delighted they love reading, as it not only entertains them but also enhances their vocabulary, grammar skills, and creativity.
In our family, daily academic work during summer has proven effective, despite some grumbling from the kids. The workload is manageable, and they can often complete it independently, reaching out for help when needed. Once school resumes, the summer learning pays off, benefiting everyone involved—parents, kids, and teachers alike. Plus, it gives me a few moments to catch up on my work, enjoy a little solitude, or savor a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
For more insights on parenting and educational activities, check out this related blog post.
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Summary:
During summer, my kids follow a structured daily to-do list that includes academic work. This routine helps them stay productive, build confidence in subjects they find challenging, and prevents the chaos of unstructured time. With thirty minutes of focused tasks each weekday, they can manage their responsibilities while also enjoying their summer. This approach not only prepares them for the upcoming school year but also allows for moments of quiet for parents to recharge.
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