Lazy Days of Summer? Not!
By Linda Loff, M.Ed.

Designing a summer program by keeping a balance of fun
and structure can be difficult for busy families.
Preparation may be the key to enjoying the summer.

Winter break is just behind us. Believe it or not, many families are starting to make summer plans for their children. Parents will be looking toward this time with mixed feelings. While they may be relieved to end the continuous, daily routines of the school year, structures can be lacking.

As you plan for the summer, consider the needs of your child and family
Define your budget and family vacation/activity schedule. Whatever plans you make for your child should fit comfortably within those parameters.
Respect your child’s social and emotional needs. He may want a break from school work over the summer. Keep in mind that he is probably working hard in school at the time you must decide on summer plans. He may feel less stressed once he’s had a week or two of summer vacation. On the other hand, he may be enthusiastic about pursuing a sport or hobby through camp or another organized activity.

Think creatively. Aim for a healthy balance by integrating academics and recreational plans for your child.

Consider your child’s talents and interests outside school
A good starting point for a summer program selection process is to assess your child’s current challenges, strengths and interests. This, along with the knowledge of your child’s temperament, personality and level of maturity, will help you choose suitable programs. Children with learning and attention difficulties often benefit from being involved in non-academic activities during the summer. For many, the school year takes a heavy toll on self-esteem. So, while you may worry that your child will “lose ground” academically over the summer, it can be important to balance academic skill-building with activities that help your child regain self-esteem, relax and have fun, or explore new exciting pursuits.

Consider your child’s academic needs
For parents of children with learning differences, the months without the structured routine of school can be so difficult that they dread summer vacation all year long. Most parents feel that their child loses valuable progress during the summer. Although this is true for many children, it is usually more difficult for a child with learning differences.

An  Extended  School  Year  program might be available for your child if your “child is likely to lose critical skills or fail to recover these skills within a reasonable time;” or without Extended School Year services “the nature/severity of your child’s learning differences is likely to prevent your child from receiving some benefit from his educational program during the school year.”

Develop academic study skills or talents
Summer break allows your child a chance to learn in a less structured setting where his needs can be addressed in different and creative ways. Computer keyboarding is an example of an important skill for all young children to develop. Keyboarding can give an alternative to the difficult process of writing as an assistive technology specifically designed to help your child’s learning differences.

Physical activity is important for good health and energy. If your child is well coordinated and likes team sports, he may enjoy programs through your local recreation departments. Group activities also may strengthen social interaction skills. If your child does not like to compete or follow team rules, he may be more comfortable with individual sports, such as swimming, hiking, skating and bicycling. If he has problems with attention or self control, martial arts can be a good choice.

By participating in art, drama or music classes, your child may discover and use special talents and build self-esteem. Look to your local recreation center and community theaters for class offerings. Consider taking him to museums, libraries, art galleries, aquariums, planetariums, concerts and plays. Your backyard and local neighborhood can open up a world of possibilities for science activities.

One of the biggest struggles parents of a child with learning differences face is whether to continue basic instruction during summer vacation. He may need a break right away but could use a “brush up” from tutoring a few weeks before school begins. On the other hand, if he is just starting to make progress in a specific area when school is getting out for the summer, it may be advisable to continue instruction. Your child’s teacher can give you suggestions for activities to strengthen skills he has learned.

Summer Camp Planning Chart

Summer Camps and Programs
If you have several choices of camps, it can be helpful to make yourself a chart similar to the one below. You can add columns for cost, date, and other details appropriate for your needs. As you create a “visual map” of the summer, it may reassure your child to see, for example, that although he’ll have two weeks of math camp in June, right after that he’ll be going to the hockey camp with friends.

Summer camp is more than a vacation. It is a place where a child can develop independence, new skills and the ability to make friends. Summer camp can encourage an appreciation of the outdoors, foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation and allow your child to explore talents and interests.
Summer camps come in a variety of lengths. Half-day and day camps are great for a child’s first camp experience and work well for children who don’t like to be away from home. Day camps can also be a bit easier on the pocketbook. Residential camps, on the other hand, can last anywhere from one week to the entire summer, depending upon the type of program chosen. They offer the opportunity for children to gain independence in an away-from-home setting and also offer a little extra time to focus on friendships.

Residential camps can get quite expensive, running anywhere from $50 to $200 per day.
Because the summer camp experience will have a significant impact on your child’s life, you should not take the camp selection process lightly. It is important that the camp meet the needs, interests, goals and expectations of both parent and child. The major factors to consider include the type of camp, cost, size, location and activities.

If you are making the decision about summer camp for your child, you can use these tips to make the right choice.

• Start with day camp for your young child. Most 6-8 year olds are not ready for sleepover camps beyond a few days. Talk with others in your community (neighborhood, school, religious affiliation, etc.) about summer day camp options.
• If your child has never spent the night away from home, his first experience could be difficult. An older sibling attending the camp will reduce the separation anxiety. If you can, prepare him for the camp experience by letting him visit friends or relatives alone for a few days.
• Next, try a three-to-five day sleepover camp. Scout or religious camps are good first options and most offer shortened stays for younger children.
• Consider your child’s temperament when making the camp decision. A shy child will need support from familiar faces to adjust well at camp. Take extra steps to visit the camp and familiarize him with the people and places before he attends camp. A more outgoing child might breeze right through the experience.
• Consider your child’s interests and needs. You will find many specialty camps for sports, technology,the arts, academics and more.
• Include your child, if appropriate, in the exploration of possible camps to attend. He will have a more positive attitude about camp if his thoughts and feelings are considered beforehand.
• Your preteen will benefit the most from summer camp. The camp experience will help your child develop a sense of competence and social skills needed in the transition to the “teen” years.

Tips for the Summer Break
No matter what summer plans you make, you may want to ease into summer in a way that addresses your needs as well as your child with learning differences. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Review the summer plans you’ve made to date. Where there are gaps, brainstorm ways to address them, such as parents rotating days off work to stay home with younger children on unscheduled days.
2. Post the family’s summer schedule. Mark activities (day camp, vacations, your teenager’s work schedule, etc.) on a “family size” calendar posted in a central location. Be sure to note blocks of unscheduled time as well; that way, you can anticipate free time to use as you wish, even if it is to enjoy a break in the action
3.  Be prepared to be spontaneous. Keep a running list of places and people to visit when time permits and the mood strikes. Summer, free from homework and tutors, is a great time to visit the science museum, go on a bike trail or attend a concert-in-thepark you cannot seem to get to during the school year.
4. If you and/or your child need a routine, build as much of it in your summer schedule as possible. Even so, your  routine may change every week or so. Find ways to prepare for these transitions. This may be as simple as rehearsing the new routine (including daily wake-up time and preparation) with your child before that week begins. Transitions can be hard for parents, too!
5. Ask other people (spouse, family members, and neighbors) for help shuttling kids to activities and supervising them on their “days off.” Trade carpooling and kid-watching duties with other parents in your neighborhood.
6. Don’t succumb to summer stress! There is bound to be some chaos, as well as “boredom,” in any household during the summer. When stress hits, try to find humor in the situation.

Making summer plans for your child is quite a balancing act. There are many factors -and opinions - to consider. Do the best you can making summer plans, then let go of any guilt! This may be easier said than done. Don’t expect perfection of yourself or your child. Remember that summer should also be a time to enjoy your child, so find time to laugh and play together.

Linda Loff, M.Ed. is and educational consultant for K&L Solutions and Eaton Academy.  She can be reached at klsolutions@bellsouth.net.