School’s Out, Now What? How To Address the “Summer Slump”
“Children need the freedom and the time to play! Play is NOT a luxury! Play is a NECESSITY!”
- Kay Redfield Jamison
For many parents, the first week of June is your first official week where school is out for the summer. Your first instinct is probably to fill that time with some obligation, interaction, or socialization especially since there is no summer break for mom and dad from work. After all, we need to address the “summer slump” right?! This gap to be filled will no doubt have grown from a year of trading out in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning. While this reflex isn’t exactly wrong, we need to measure and take into account more factors than usual this summer in particular.
First and foremost, closing out a pandemic year of education means we must stop and take time to prioritize social and emotional needs and check in on our little one’s mental health as well. The good news is summer is two months long. So no need to stress about accomplishing ALL things immediately.
Take WEEK ONE to reconnect and recharge! No real schedule, relaxed bedtime, lots of PLAYTIME, and downtime! Let in the fun and TRY to limit the tech for kids who have been glued to a computer for hours a day for school by taking advantage of our city slowly opening up again.
Take WEEK TWO to ask some questions and take stock of how your kids are feeling after such an abnormal and demanding academic year. How do you feel now that it’s over? Are you proud of your accomplishment? What are you looking forward to doing now that school is out? How are you feeling about the virus now? Are you excited to get back in the classroom next year? Can I answer any questions for you? Use their answer to guide your next steps for making plans.
Plenty of kids are most likely itching for a vacation just as much as we adults are! Plan a weekend getaway, or quick road trip (Biloxi, Destin, Great Wolf Lodge, etc) or even just a change of scenery. Try a staycation and get reacclimated with your city right outside of your own front door! Ease back into play dates with family and friends to slowly address building back normalcy and comforts for your family.
Though COVID numbers are down and the vaccinated population increases, many of us are still exercising caution and choosing our organized summer activities a bit more carefully. Summer camps are usually a no brainer for social interaction, provided care/meals, and daily schedule/routine that benefits both your kiddo and you as a working parent. The available types also tend to range from art, to music, to foreign language camps that suit your child’s interests. This is still a great option this summer if you’re feeling comfortable with the setting and the safety.
https://www.neworleansmom.com and https://www.nolafamilyguide.com have great lists of local options and registrations are happening NOW!
This summer for Jovi, I chose organized sports over a summer camp. Here are some reasons that guided this choice. First off, I am only recently fully vaccinated. The mask mandate is lifted and people I don’t know or trust are walking around not protecting themselves or me so no camp this year over here. The other reason is as an educator, I am off from work in June and don’t need Jovi to be scheduled or cared for during the day. Another reason is, I have accompanied Jovi all year on her virtual learning journey since I was on leave from my classroom and she excelled academically. Where she is in need is socially, and mental focus. Sports accomplishes both while getting her outdoors. She chose cabbage ball and has been attending twice weekly practices and has now played in her first two official games. She is loving the whole experience while reconnecting with old friends, making new friends, learning the rules of a new game, focusing to give her all to a new experience, and developing a new sense of pride in herself!
Finally, I chose to leave the business of summer for July. This is a choice I make every year and this year will be NO DIFFERENT. Whether you opt for a camp or summer sport activity for your kids, the programs usually come to a close with 2 -3 weeks left before school resumes. This is the time to consider a tutor a few days a week, scheduling a couple hours a day on learning programs, or requiring a little time daily with pencil and paper workbooks (one from the grade they just completed and one from the grade they are entering in the Fall). Business as usual is a back burner concern, this summer especially, to play and decompression for us all. If you want to infuse small educational moments, projects, activities throughout the summer, I say “Absolutely! YES!” but lead with making it fun! We will be tackling kitchen science experiments and learning some sign language using great books for kids we found on Amazon (I will link these resources below if you’re interested). We will also find pockets of down time to read, paint, play board games, practice her swimming and strengthen those shoe tying skills. All educational and all in good fun! Keep that in mind, while letting your children’s interest and internal needs lead your plans this summer. Take these two months one day at a time and find what will work best for you and your crew. Happy Summer Break!
Also check www.highlights.com for their book series “Things to Do” for additional helpful ideas, both fun and educational, to spark creativity and learning that is teacher and parent approved!