Kids should still have structure during summer break from school

It’s only natural for kids to look forward to the leisurely nature of the summer season. The arrival of beach trips, pool parties and sleep-overs, however, doesn’t mean that children should depart completely from their daily routine. Keeping particular elements of a child’s day consistent throughout the summer months keeps the brain focused and helps prevent learning losses during the summer. In addition, this may ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into a new classroom or school come fall. According to research conducted by the National Center for Summer Learning, based at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore, summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student pursuing a college preparatory path in high school. As these findings indicate, keeping children’s brains challenged throughout the summer is crucial, since the lack of learning that occurs during these months has both short-term and long-term consequences. According to James Freda, owner of The Goddard School in Sparta, families can incorporate the following habits into their child’s day to encourage and maintain a routine throughout the summer season: Early to bed, early to rise: To the best extent possible, children should adhere to a regular bedtime each night and wake up at the same time each day. Clean up and get dressed: Upon waking up, it is important that children brush their teeth, get dressed and perform any other hygienic tasks that they normally would before a school day. Make eating an event: Keeping a child on a consistent meal schedule is critical to maintaining a sharp body and mind. Establish specific times for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sit with children at the table to encourage conversation. Take a rest: If a child partakes in a scheduled nap time while at school, then he or she should be allotted time at home for regular rest as well. Perform daily chores: Asking a child to help around the house is an ideal way to get them involved in a daily routine. A morning chore and an afternoon chore can convey a sense of responsibility and supply a sense of rhythm to the day. This helps establish a sense of purpose.