Preparing Kids for Summer Break
The kids are already counting down the days until the end of school. But before they are let loose for the summer, you do have to prepare them for upcoming summer break. Try these suggestions to see if they help the year runs smoother!
1. Start a “summer kick-off” calendar at home. Remember Advent calendars that are used to help children know how when Christmas is coming? It’s the same idea. You can also use the same type of calendar during the summer to help children prepare to head back to school when summer is over.
I threw together this easy countdown printable to place in an extra picture frame we had. Just use a dry erase marker to customize it to your countdown!
2. Your child may be nervous about missing their friends. One way to alleviate this stress is to make acquaintances with the parents of your children’s friends. Exchange telephone numbers or emails and plan to meet for play days every so often during the school break.
3. Rather than throw structure out the window when the last day of school is over, it is important to maintain it. Some kids have difficulty with sudden changes. It may be helpful for them to get up at the same time for the first couple of weeks and then slowly allow them (and you!) to sleep in. One benefit of maintaining some sort of structure during the simmer is that it will make it easier when it comes to back to school time. We try to stick to a summer schedule. It’s a loosely based schedule but it also helps us figure out what to do each day!
4. Plan activities for the summer so your children have something to look forward too. Get the kids involved and discuss different activities you can do as a family. From simple crafts to helping you cook or as specific day trips to the zoo, an amusement park or a day at the beach will give your kids something to look forward to!
5. Check in with your child’s teacher. Ask them if there are any areas your child needs to work on during the summer and what types of fun activities you can do to help. Remember, however, you want to keep the activities fun so your child doesn’t feel like they are still in school. Also, it’s really important to keep your kids reading over the summer!
6. Stock up on bug repellant and sun screen! Also make sure your first aid kit is well-stocked and available for the bumps, bruises and scraped knees that are sure to happen. Remember, summer skin care is important!
These are wonderful tips. I haven’t started planning summer just yet because I am working on planning a big bash on the last day of school to celebrate the end of the school year.