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As summer approaches, I often find myself daydreaming about idyllic days spent with my three kids. While the idea of roaming from parks to pools sounds great, the truth is that both my children and I flourish with some structure and routine. Sure, there’s room for fun, but if we abandon all responsibility, I end up with four cranky kids and a chaotic home—no, thank you!
Every weekday during summer, my children receive a to-do list that encompasses chores, tutoring sessions, music practice, and yes, some educational tasks. I’m that parent who isn’t shy about incorporating academic work into our summer schedule.
Before you rush to the comments, let me clarify our reasoning for summer schoolwork. It’s not about helping them catch up or preventing them from falling behind. With the challenges posed by the pandemic over the past year and a half, the last thing kids need is added pressure to “keep up” in a chaotic environment. I’m not aiming for my kids to excel in standardized tests or graduate early. In fact, I believe the academic pressure put on students and educators is excessive and risks teaching kids to dread learning rather than enjoy it. Oh, and for the record, I used to be a teacher.
So why do I assign my kids learning tasks during summer? Isn’t summer meant to be a break for their brains? While it could be a lengthy celebration, I believe that completely skipping academics for three months isn’t the wisest choice.
To start, having assigned work gives them something valuable to focus on rather than constantly asking for snacks, whining about boredom, or squabbling with each other. Well, at least for a little while each day. I can’t entertain them all summer, and I suspect most parents can relate. We all have jobs and responsibilities beyond our children, and I certainly don’t want to be the sole activity coordinator during every waking hour—it’s draining!
My kids tackle academic work daily in areas where they struggle. This helps them build confidence and sharpen their skills. Skipping out on practice for three months leads to a challenging fall, filled with tears and frustration. Though my kids might not fully appreciate it now, these tasks ultimately benefit them. Ignoring a bit of daily work tends to backfire once the school year resumes.
During summer, my children spend about thirty minutes on academic tasks each weekday. Yes, you read that right—they focus on their studies for about half an hour each day. Each child works on specific subjects suited to their needs. For instance, one child concentrates on math, while another focuses on reading comprehension. We use various resources tailored to each child’s requirements. One child learns math facts with flashcards, while we employ handwriting workbooks designed by occupational therapists and utilize school-provided websites for math practice. We do whatever works best.
To all parents grappling with the decision of whether to assign their children summer work, I encourage you to feel free to do so if you believe it will be beneficial. You can explore many options, such as enrolling them in online courses or specialty camps, playing educational games, or using apps and websites for practice. If possible, consider hiring a tutor. There’s no singular right approach.
In our household, the older siblings assist the younger ones. One of my tweens reads to her preschool sister twice a week, while another helps her third-grade brother with reading comprehension. My partner and I take turns working with the kids in between our own tasks.
You might be wondering how to handle it if your child outright refuses to do their assignments or only completes them halfway. For us, the solution is simple. My kids have a daily to-do list, and if they finish it, they get an hour of tech time while we prepare dinner. If they don’t complete their work, tech time is off-limits. This straightforward rule teaches them accountability for their choices. We review their work not for perfection, but to ensure they understand the tasks and completed them. This also helps us identify any academic gaps that need attention.
Another option is to encourage reading by providing more time for it. Visit your local library for free materials, check out used bookstores, or swap books with friends. Let your child choose what they want to read, whether it’s a topic or format. My kids, for instance, adore graphic novels—preferably the sillier ones! Their love for reading not only entertains them but also enhances their vocabulary, grammar, and creativity.
In our family, the daily academic tasks during summer, despite the occasional groaning, prove effective. The workload is manageable, and for the most part, they can handle it independently, asking for help when needed. When back-to-school time arrives, the summer work pays off, benefiting the kids, their parents, and their upcoming teachers. Plus, it gives me a few moments to catch up on work, sneak away to the bathroom alone, or enjoy a fresh cup of coffee.
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Summary
Summer in our home includes a structured daily to-do list for the kids, balancing chores and educational tasks. This routine not only keeps the kids engaged but also helps them develop skills and confidence, easing the transition back to school. By setting clear expectations and providing support, we create an environment where learning continues without overwhelming pressure.
Keyphrase: summer academic tasks for kids
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