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Well, school is officially out for the summer and what an ending it has been. From stay-at-home orders, virtual learning, and day-to-day life being interrupted, we have had quite the ride leading up to Summer 2020.
Nonetheless, we have gotten through the best we can and will continue to do so! One very important piece of this puzzle is, what happens when it really is summer break? When students no longer have to log onto zoom classes, turn in assignments, or check online schedules. For some, the transition was a no-brainer, and for others it has been a challenge. I have learned throughout my time working with children, and it’s true for adults as well, that many of us do better with consistency and structure. So, how do you stay consistent when things become out of your control? Well, I have a few resources and tips that I’ve acquired, and I hope they can be of help to add to your “maintaining Summer 2020” kit.
- Keep open communication as much as possible. People are feeling a lot of things, our children included, and it is important to actively listen to what they have to say and feel, and vice versa.
- Although it is summer, keep a somewhat structured setting. Do what works for your household. As we know, kids do much better when they’re getting adequate sleep and mental/energy levels are improved!
- Use online resources! There is so much out there as far as ideas for games, activities, worksheets, all sorts of goodies to keep kids busy, and a lot of them are free! Some of these include: Pinterest, Education.com, and SummerLearning.org.
- Get moving! I have recently discovered the stillness of just being out in nature! While it is great to explore parks and nature preserves, sometimes it is equally great to just sit in the backyard or take a walk around the neighborhood. This is also a safe alternative, if you’re still unsure about going back to outdoor activities like amusement parks and zoos.
- Be kind to yourself. We are all navigating new territory, and our structure has been altered. Take it one day at a time. If something didn’t get done or turn out the way you’d hoped it would, it’s okay! Allow yourself to feel, it’s just human nature after all.
- Brain Breaks! I was introduced to brain breaks for our students during the academic year, and I cannot stress how much of a difference they made! Just getting students and ourselves out of the “routine” for a bit of fun! Some of my favorites included tossing a ball and naming an object, food, or color as fast as you can, stretching, and charades. These could also be great add-ons for family game nights! Here are some ideas for other brain breaks.
All in all, take time to reflect on what was, be present, and look forward to what will come. While this is not at all how any of us imagined summer break to look, we can still find those silver linings; even if we have to look a little harder! Be safe and well!
Blogger and Director of Adventures in Summer Learning Shanice Carter-Harris shares her expertise in child and family issues, with work experience at Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center, St. Aloysius and Cincinnati Children’s. If you have questions, please contact Shanice at
