INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
As the school year comes to a close , it is only natural for kids to look forward to the leisurely nature of the summer season . The arrival of beach trips , pool parties and sleepovers , however , doesn ’ t mean that children should depart completely from their daily routine . Keeping particular elements of a child ’ s day consistent throughout the summer months keeps the brain focused and helps prevent learning losses during the summer . In addition , this can potentially ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into a new classroom or school come fall .
According to research conducted by the National Center for Summer Learning , which is based at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore , Maryland , summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student pursuing a college preparatory path in high school . As these findings indicate , keeping children ’ s brains challenged throughout the summer is crucial , since the lack of learning that occurs during these months has both short-term and long-term consequences . And , brain growth is 90 % complete by age 10 in most children . Keeping your child challenged in these early years can make a difference in the rest of his / her life .
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PREVENTING SUMMER LEARNING LOSSES DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD
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Routine provides structure , which is often lacking during the summer months when children all too quickly become detached from the lessons they learned throughout the school year . Maintaining a schedule throughout the summer supports an environment that is less of a contrast to the classroom and provides a healthy balance between building skills , play and rest .
Families can incorporate the following habits into their children ’ s day to encourage and maintain a routine throughout the summer ...
• Early to bed , early to rise : To the best extent possible , children should adhere to a regular bedtime each night and wake up at the same time each day . This will not only ensure proper rest but will establish a sense of discipline as well .
• Clean up and get dressed : Upon waking up , it is important that children brush their teeth , get dressed and perform any other hygienic tasks that they normally would before a school day . Allowing kids to stay in pajamas or dirty clothes longer than necessary can result in lazy behavior .
• Make eating an event : Keeping a child on a consistent meal schedule is critical to maintaining a sharp body and mind . Establish specific times for breakfast , lunch and dinner , and sit with children at the table to encourage conversation while eating .
• Take a rest : If a child partakes in a scheduled naptime while at school , then he or she should be allotted time at home for regular rest as well . Make this time consistent , perhaps after lunch , and have the child rest in the same place every day .
• Perform daily chores : Asking children to help around the house is an ideal way to get them involved in a daily routine . A morning chore and an afternoon chore can convey a sense of responsibility and supply a sense of rhythm to the day .
In addition to providing consistency , routines can present children with security and comfort as they adjust to the changes that come along with their new summer schedule . The purpose is not to create rigidity but to provide a flexible structure that establishes a sense of purpose kids need to grow and mature .
Finding a preschool / early childhood center that offers a yearround program can be very beneficial in this regard . The very best early childhood centers also offer school readiness programs for elementary school students . If you are looking for such programs , make sure they are facilitated by degreed teachers as well as tailored to meet the specific needs of your child , whether it be concentrating on advanced or remedial material . It also can be helpful if the academic program / curriculum is intertwined throughout the center ’ s program , so the children readily accept the “ summer challenge .”
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo .
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The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems , Inc . Programs and ages may vary . Goddard Systems , Inc . program is AdvancED accredited . © Goddard Systems , Inc . 2018
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School ®, located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township , 724.941.6464 , and 655 Painters Run Road , Upper St . Clair , 412.564.3600 . Goddard offers both full- and part-time infant / preschool / kindergarten programs . For more information , visit www . goddardschools . com / Pittsburgh .
UPPER ST . CLAIR ❘ SPRING 2018 17