Three months is a very long time to a child. Even with the shortened summers, children sometimes lose valuable information learned during the previous school year. Don’t despair. With some simple activities for summer, parents can help their children retain some of this knowledge and prepare
for the upcoming school year.

First and foremost, it is crucial that parents and caregivers get involved in their children’s education throughout the school year, working together with teachers as a team. Homework provides a wonderful
opportunity for parents to support their children’s education and assist them in the learning process. Not only does involvement during the school year help with learning, but it is also a contributing factor to children’s discipline habits, which affects life at home as well as at school.

Once a student has successfully completed the school year, summer awaits. During the long break, children tend to forget about schoolwork, tests and classroom rules. To help hold onto the year’s progress, parents can play fun games with their children in everyday situations. At the grocery store, have them add prices to see who can come closest to the final bill. When riding in the car, ask them to look for colors, letters or words on billboards and signs. For beginning readers, turn on the closed-caption option on the television so your children can
read the words being spoken.

Parents can also buy education-focused materials from discount stores and toy stores. Buy a 3rd-grade math book for your 2nd-grader to complete during the summer. Plan for a page a day, and it is sure to be completed by the next school year. Your child will enjoy knowing what the teacher is going to teach ahead of time. Don’t we all feel excited when we have learned something new, or know the answer to that tough game show question?

Responsibility for guiding children smoothly into the next school year lies mainly with the parents. Keeping your children on a basic schedule during the summer can help. Continue to enforce tooth brushing, bathing, sleeping and eating schedules throughout the summer months. Rest, diet and personal hygiene are essential to the health of every infant, child and adult. Additionally, since school is based upon routines, keeping young children on a regular schedule will help them adjust more easily next fall.

And lastly, parents can simply read to their children. Remember, they are children first and students second. Read a book just for the fun of it. Make it a bedtime or early morning ritual. This special time will not only help prepare your child for their upcoming school year,
but the memories you make will surely last a lifetime.