My dreams of a carefree summer with my three kids rarely become a reality. Sure, we could throw caution to the wind, bouncing from parks to swimming pools and indulging in fast food, but the truth is, my children—and I—thrive on structure and routine. Of course, fun is important, but a completely unstructured summer often leads to moody kids and a chaotic home. No, thank you.
Every summer, my kids follow a daily to-do list. This includes household chores, tutoring sessions, therapies, music practice, and yes, some schoolwork. I’m the mom who’s unashamed to incorporate academic tasks into our summer routine.
Before you rush to comment, let me explain our approach to summer schoolwork. It’s not about keeping them from falling behind or catching up; certainly, the past year and a half during the pandemic has posed challenges for all learners. The last thing kids need is added pressure to “keep up” in these trying times. I’m not pushing my kids to excel in standardized tests or graduate early. In fact, I believe the overwhelming academic pressure faced by students (and educators) can lead to a disdain for learning instead of a passion for it. Oh, and did I mention I used to be a teacher?
Why Assign Learning Activities?
So why do I assign learning activities during the summer? Don’t kids deserve a break from intellectual pursuits? Can’t summer be one long celebration? Yes, it could be. However, I don’t think that completely abandoning academics for three months is wise.
For one, the assigned tasks give them something constructive to do instead of constantly asking for snacks, complaining about boredom, or squabbling with each other. Well, at least for a few minutes a day. I can’t entertain them all summer, and I doubt you can either. Most of us have jobs and other responsibilities beyond our kids. I don’t want to play the role of entertainer every waking hour; it’s exhausting.
My children tackle daily academic work in areas where they struggle. I assign this work to help them gain confidence and practice essential skills. Neglecting practice for three months leads to a challenging fall filled with tears, frustration, and embarrassment. While my kids may not fully appreciate it now, this daily work ultimately benefits them. Skipping a little work during the summer comes back to haunt us when school starts again.
Daily Educational Tasks
I assign my kids about thirty minutes of educational tasks, Monday through Friday, throughout the summer. Yes, you read that correctly—thirty minutes a day. One child focuses solely on math, while another works on reading comprehension. We use different resources tailored to each child’s needs. For one, math facts are best learned with flashcards. We utilize handwriting workbooks created by occupational therapists, and two children access school-issued websites for math practice. Whatever works best is what we do.
I encourage every parent grappling with the decision to assign schoolwork or not this summer to consider doing so if it will benefit their children. This can take many forms: online classes, specialty camps, educational games, apps, or even hiring a tutor. There’s no single right way to approach it.
Peer Support and Accountability
In our household, older siblings assist the younger ones. One of my tweens reads to her preschool sister twice a week, while the other helps her third-grade brother with reading comprehension. My partner and I also take turns working with the kids in between our responsibilities.
What if your child outright refuses to do the work or only does it halfway? For us, that’s straightforward. My kids have a daily to-do list, and if they complete it, they earn an hour of screen time while we prepare dinner. If they don’t finish their tasks, there’s no tech time. This rule is simple and teaches them the importance of accountability. We review their work—not for perfection but to ensure they understood the tasks and completed them. Another benefit is that we stay informed about their academic progress. What areas do we need to address?
Alternatively, you can give your kids more time to read. Load up on free materials from the library, visit local bookstores, or swap books with friends. Let your child choose their reading material and format. My kids enjoy graphic novels—especially the sillier ones. I’m thrilled they love reading, as it not only entertains but also enhances their vocabulary, grammar, and imagination.
Conclusion
In our family, assigning daily academic work during the summer, despite the occasional grumbling, proves effective. The workload is manageable, and they can usually complete tasks independently, seeking help when needed. Once the new school year arrives, the summer work pays off, benefiting parents, children, and their future teachers. Plus, it gives you a few moments to catch up on chores, enjoy some solitude in the bathroom, or brew a fresh cup of coffee.
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Summary
During the summer, I create a structured daily to-do list for my kids that includes academic tasks alongside chores and other activities. This approach helps them avoid boredom and prepares them for the upcoming school year. We dedicate about thirty minutes a day to educational work tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring they build confidence and skills. By fostering a balanced routine, we all benefit from a productive summer.