Are you wondering how to keep your child busy and productive over the summer?  Here are some ideas that will help make time away from school enjoyable while retaining and improving skills.  Children who do this are usually very prepared for the upcoming level in school and have increased self-confidence once the summer break is over.  Students who don’t get this reinforcement sometimes begin the new school year a bit behind.  The good news is that there are many options that can help keep their new skills fresh.

Library reading programs are usually offered in the summer, free of charge.  Kids like these programs for many reasons:  They make new friends, get excited about reading because the programs are very positive and upbeat, often get to watch movies based on their books, and sometimes earn incentives for the number of books read. 

Another reason children get excited about summer reading programs is that students are allowed to choose books based on their interests.  A successful reading program begins with student choice.  For the first time, they might discover their favorite author and genre.  In this relaxed setting, struggling readers will discover that reading is enjoyable, while the on- and above-level readers continue to soar.

My main focus is usually reading as it’s the key to success in school, but all subjects are important to reinforce during the summer months.  For example, if your child enjoys learning about government, visit your state capitol or Washington, DC.   Maybe you have a child who loves to read about history, wars, or famous Americans; take them to some US battlefields, a Naval station where you can board a ship, or visit the birthplace of a famous American.  Your local natural history museum will be a big hit with most children, and there are hands-on science exhibits for exploration.  Unfortunately, with a lack of public-school funds, many field trips have been cancelled, so it’s up to the parents now.

You can make math come alive by including your child in cooking to reinforce fractions.  Or get out the hammer, nails, and scraps of wood to reinforce measurement, area and perimeter by building a dollhouse, birdhouse, or doghouse.  The best part of all of this is the interaction between parent and child.

Enroll your child in local arts programs such as music, painting, or dance.  It is research-based that children in such programs learn better.  I’ve never met a child who doesn’t like one part or another of the arts.  In addition, programs that promote physical activity such as swimming or basketball are good for children too.

The biggest mistake you can make with your child is to allow them to waste the summer sitting in front of the TV, computer, and video games while eating junk food and not being active.  If you have reasons why you can’t get your child to a summer program, ask a neighbor or family member to help.  Often, there are camps or summer schools at local places of worship that offer free shuttle services.

If you take your child to a summer daycare, ask them specifically what they do to help reinforce school subject and which outings they plan to take.  Suggest options such as the free, library programs and above-mentioned activities and outings. 

After being involved in a summer program that reinforces the previous school year’s curriculum, your child should be very prepared to enter the next grade when school resumes.  Along with a new outfit and new supplies, there will be a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem that can help make the next year successful.

I give this elementary school writing prompt to my students every year during the last week of school.  It’s a writing prompt kids love as it makes them feel good about doing something for someone else.  In addition, it gives students practice writing a friendly letter and is something next year’s students love to receive.

First, find a nice writing template with a border the kids can color.  I have one with school supplies around the edges with a boy and a girl at the bottom of the page.  Next, give your students the following prompt.  And last, put the finished letters in a file for next year’s students.  My students enjoy this so much that I incorporate it as an end-of-year writing prompt in my lesson plans for each school year.

Prompt:  You are going to write a letter to a rising student for next year.  It will be placed on his or her desk on the first day of school.  Follow these instructions.

First, think about the things you did in school over the past year.  On plain notebook paper, make a pre-write list such as science projects/fairs, field trips, parties, assemblies, etc.  Include on your list the things you liked best about each subject, such as your favorites, and what you learned that was different from the previous school year.  Also, jot down any awards you received, good grades, or things you are particularly proud of.  Write down some things about your teacher that you think the student should know, as well as upcoming challenges, rules to follow, and anything that will help them succeed in school next year.

Next, on a plain piece of notebook paper, use your pre-write to craft a rough draft of your letter.  Be sure to follow the friendly letter format.

Then, edit your writing for errors such as spelling and end marks.  Use a thesaurus to eliminate repetitive words.

Next, ‘whisper read’ your letter somewhere in the corner of the room as a way to proofread your draft letter.

After that, transfer your final copy to the writing template your teacher provided.  Make sure you sign your name.

Last, if you would like to, color the border of your letter.

Good work!  One student next year will really enjoy reading your letter on the first day of school!