What Are You Doing this Summer? … Make Summer Fun and Full of Learning with these Learning Tips from RCSD Administrators

Keeping students actively engaged and eager to learn throughout the warm summer days can seem an arduous task with busy schedules, but our Administrators have shared a few helpful tips to keep children entertained while mastering academic and social skills. Summer Break is a great time to reset and refresh but also offers more flexible time to explore, create, and grow. 

Connect with Teachers and Other Resources

Ask your students' teacher about skills and strengths to hone in on during the summer. They may have worksheets, suggestions for online resources and games, or other ideas that will help your child meet his or her specific needs for the following school year. Students can use Quizlet or other online tools to review and refresh their memory. Community organizations and the local library also offer programs that keep the “fun” in fundamental learning. 

Reading, Reading, Reading

Students can and should pick reading materials that grab their interests and challenge them over the summer. Spend time with your student asking questions about what they’re reading. Encourage self-initiated projects related to the story such as drawing, creating a new character, or dressing up like someone in a book. All of these activities keep the brain active. 

“It is important to set up a reading routine–a place, a buddy, and keeping the conversation open about what they’ve learned. We encourage parents to read with their children in their home language, too.”

Winnie Wong, Assistant Principal of Orion Alternative School

Keep it Moving, Keep a Routine

It’s important for students to stay active, to be outdoors, and in structured activities. Studies show that physical activity boosts concentration and memory. Structured, planned outings and daily routine keep students “in the groove” while promoting confidence in everyday skills and responsibility. 
 

“Making sure students are continuing to maintain connections and relationships is very important throughout the summer. Keeping a structure to their day helps keep them engaged.” 

Jude Noyes, Principal of Clifford School

Make Time for Social Skills

With busy schedules, it can be easy to get disconnected from peer groups but children need to do fun activities with their friends. Parents of young children can organize playdates and older children can make plans for new, enriching activities with their peers such as visiting a free museum or sharing thoughts on a book together. 

Bonus Tips for Immersion and Language Development: Read It, Speak It, Write It

Reading books in your home language and a language you are learning helps grow vocabulary and speaking with friends who are learning helps with fluency and use. However, writing skills are something that should be especially practiced. Activities such as writing letters or characters in sand, or flour, with a finger creates a sensory memory of forming the letters.