Summer Planning
We have been very busy the past few months getting ready for nearly 150 campers this summer. The first session begins next week and the preparations never seem to end. There is always the sense that time moves faster once June is upon us.
This used to be the time of year I would begin to panic. How am I going to fill the time? What about some tutoring for my son to stay ahead? Where will I find good summer programs run by people who understand how my child fits in? Will this be a summer of positive experiences for him or just an extension of the pressure and humiliation he faced during the school year?
Avoid this anxiety with a Summer Plan! Some of the best advice on planning your summer comes from the experts at Schwab Learning, from Dr. Mel Levine and in ADDitude Magazine. Below are links to recent articles that are sure to help.
Summer Planning from Schwab Learning
and More Summer Help from Schwab Learning
”A Balanced Summer” from Dr, Levine and All Kinds of Minds
”Prepare to Have Fun" from ADDitude Magazine by Larry Silver, M.D
”Fun! Friends! Learning?!” from ADDitude Magazine by Larissa Phillip
Summer Planning Tips from Ann & Tom
Below are some personal tips from us that may be helpful to you.
Plan your summer together
Decide what you want to accomplish this summer together with your child, and the rest of your family. By planning together, and being part of the process, your child is more likely to follow the plan eagerly.
In addition to any family vacation be sure your “summer list” includes a mix of organized social and recreational activities, day camps or sports camps and some new experiences.
As part of your plan be sure to set aside some academic time each week for reading, writing or math (see Study Time below).
It may take a few meetings like this but in the end you should have a list, a calendar and a commitment. Having fun better be on top of the list. The calendar should be your summer regimen outlining organized and free activity time. The commitment is from you and your child to stick to the plan.
Celebrate the end of the school year
Find a way to celebrate the end of the school year. This is a big accomplishment for your child. Celebrate in a way that is relevant to them. It may mean going out to dinner or a gift, whatever you do make it special.
Find something to celebrate even when your child has been retained or held-back. This will be so hard on their feelings but, get your child focused on what they have accomplished during school year. List those accomplishments as an honor roll of achievement and have your celebration to honor them.
Play dates
Your child might not have a wide circle of ready friends. Invitations to play, or sleepover, might be limited. This was a very familiar situation at our house.
One solution to this is making time on your calendar for organized play dates with other children. You pick the dates and you pick the activity. You put together the invite list. Organize the activities based on what you are prepared to supervise. The activity can be simple or involved. Take a group to the movies, a swimming pool outing, plan a video game marathon, a scavenger hunt, etc.
Day camps for working parents
Day camps such as church camps, recreation centers or sports camps, are a good solution for working parents, but be cautious. Many of these are not prepared for kids with learning differences. If the camp staff isn’t trained, or moderately prepared, your child could face the same torture and humiliation they faced in school. Do not let this happen.
Have a conversation with the day camp director and staff upfront about your child. Be comfortable with their attitude and how the camp is prepared for children with learning differences. If the camp isn’t working out don’t ride it out, make a change.
Residential Summer Camps
As you might have guessed, I am an advocate for the magic of summer camps. Traditionally, summer camps help kids grow confidence and self-esteem in an environment of physical activity. In the past few years several camp options have emerged for children with learning differences and, fortunately, you have many choices.
First you need to decide what your summer camp priorities are because there is something for everyone. Things to consider: location of the camp, length of camp sessions, recreational activities, academics, age of campers, special interests such as sports.
Here are a couple links to camp directories that have categories for camps specializing in serving kids with learning differences. You can search by state and the listings include all the camp features.
MySummerCamps.com
SummerCamps.com
CampResource.com
Study time
Set aside time on your summer calendar for reading, writing and math. This will help prevent back-sliding over the summer. Schedule this five times a week on a consistent schedule.
Stick with it. I liked having study time at the end of the day when things were winding down. During camp, study time is first thing in the morning. Either way, pick a time that works best for you. Don’t miss a scheduled study time.
10 – 15 minutes per day is all you need, certainly no more than a half an hour.
Designate a study area. Keep it free of clutter and away from distractions. Our study area was on our bed at night. It was quiet and comfortable and became my favorite part of the day.
Visit the Web site at Schwab Learning if you need some assistance for tutoring and work plans. Books stores also have study books for every skill level.
Your Time and the importance of Balance
Don’t forget yourself in the summer plans. Schedule a date night with your spouse, make time to do something with your group of friends, pamper yourself at the spa or treat yourself to something special. You have a life too and you deserve it.
Have a wonderful, happy and safe summer.
- Ann & Tom
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