As the school year wraps up, many parents find themselves anxious about their children’s academic progress for the upcoming year. The summer stretch can feel daunting, especially with concerns about the “summer slide,” where kids often forget what they learned in school. The challenges posed by the pandemic have only intensified these worries. The chaotic end of the 2019 school year, followed by a difficult 2020, has left parents fretting about their children’s educational gaps. However, this summer, it’s crucial to prioritize enjoyment over remediation. Activities like spending time outdoors, playing, and relaxing are essential for children who have faced such a taxing school year.
Indeed, this past year has been a struggle for many children academically. It’s easy to focus on any learning deficits and feel compelled to address them over the summer. Yet, the reality is that kids have been through a lot, and they need a break more than ever. While academics are important, there will always be time to catch up on skills like spelling or math later. This year has been traumatic for many, and our kids deserve the chance to unwind.
My son, for instance, has just completed first grade in Los Angeles, where much of the year was spent in virtual learning. Despite his impressive ability to adapt, this year has not been without its hurdles. Online learning can be particularly tough for young children, who naturally struggle with focus. My son, who is just seven, finds it challenging to engage with live instruction, especially when it happens through a screen.
We previously didn’t impose strict screen time limits, but this year has been different. While he still has at least one hour of screen-free time, the rest of his schedule has become more relaxed. After being cooped up in a small apartment for much of the year, we plan to strike a better balance this summer between screen time and outdoor activities.
Denise Pope, founder of Challenge Success and a lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, emphasizes the importance of physical activity, outdoor time, and creative play during the summer months. These elements are crucial for a child’s development, especially after a year of limited social interactions.
I’m grateful that we can spend more time outside this summer. My partner has been taking my son to the playground after school to run around with his peers. This year, having a physical outlet has been a struggle. Before COVID, we would spend hours at the park, and I’m eager to return to that routine.
In-person schooling offered multiple opportunities for kids to expend their energy through recess and gym classes, which simply aren’t available in a virtual setting. Although his teacher has been creative with “wiggle breaks,” it’s not the same as playing outside. This summer, we’re determined to ensure he spends plenty of time outdoors, soaking up fresh air and sunshine.
Pope also highlights the necessity for children to socialize with their peers during the summer. They need to practice essential social skills, communication, and friendship-building that were stunted this past year. My son has primarily interacted with his classmates through screens, so facilitating opportunities for him to play with other children is a top priority for us, keeping safety in mind.
Ultimately, our main goal for this summer is to enjoy it and embrace spontaneity. While we structured our days during the school year, I want my son to experience unscheduled time now. I want him to have lazy days in his pajamas, free to decompress and recharge. After a year of hard work, he deserves to relax.
Kids have faced significant challenges this school year, and while some may need a bit of preparation for the next academic year, it’s vital to allow them time to simply be kids. As Mr. Rogers wisely stated, “Play is the work of childhood,” and this summer, that work is more important than ever.
For more insights on parenting during these times, check out this related blog post on home insemination. If you’re looking for helpful resources, you might want to visit this authority on the topic as well.
Search Queries:
- How to prevent summer slide in kids
- Best outdoor activities for children
- Importance of play in childhood development
- Ways to encourage creativity in kids
- Balancing screen time for children
Summary:
This summer, more than ever, parents should prioritize fun and relaxation for their children rather than stressing about academic catch-up. After a challenging school year, kids need to decompress and engage in outdoor activities and social play to foster their development.