Summer is fun! It is full of new music releases, new movies, concerts, reunions, and celebrations. This can keep you very busy, but while you are having fun, I want to remind you of five factors that you will be glad you remembered before school starts again!
Don't forget to...
1. Make sure your children are reading (from the mouth of a literacy teacher). The summer slide is real. As a teacher, year after year I hear that students are not really reading on the level they were on the previous year. So the teachers are blaming the teachers from the previous year for leveling too high. My reality is that kids finish a grade flourishing, so they very well could have been on that level at the end. Now if kids spend a whole summer barely reading, they won't have the adequate practice to sustain their previous positive reading behaviors. It is your responsibility to get books into your homes and promote reading and thinking. Grow healthy, smart kids!
2. Sign your kids up for swimming lessons. There is so much to be said about this reminder. I will only say that kids love the water but the water doesn't have any regrets. My toddler cried everyday of her 2 week swimming lessons and asked me to quit everyday but I wouldn't. The return on this investment is priceless!
3. Talk to your kids and pay attention to their social media. We know that kids are attached to their smart phones. They are posting and viewing all kinds of content. You know it is summer time, so they are not doing homework. I would suggest that you eaves drop on what they are viewing and listen to your child(ren) when they are talking. What they are doing is your business!
4. Get your kids back on schedule, 3 weeks before the start of school. Staying up late and sleeping in is common. If you let your kids keep this behavior going up until the start of school frustration may arise. I would suggest talking with your kids about school starting soon and the importance of being organized, punctual, and rested. Discuss with them why they will need all of these things to be a successful student. Then follow through.
5. Don't forget Wellness Checks. At the beginning of certain grade levels parents need to provide proof of immunizations. I recommend that you schedule your annual wellness visits with the pediatrician, optometrist and pediatric dentist. The pediatric office will inform you of the requirements. At the start of school you won't scramble.
Continue to have fun. These friendly reminders may have slipped your mind. Keep them on your to-do list and keep it moving. If you need ideas for things to do check out....Cheap and easy fun in West Palm Beach: How to start summer in your hometown
Comment below if you have any burning questions that I can help you find answer.
Don't forget to...
1. Make sure your children are reading (from the mouth of a literacy teacher). The summer slide is real. As a teacher, year after year I hear that students are not really reading on the level they were on the previous year. So the teachers are blaming the teachers from the previous year for leveling too high. My reality is that kids finish a grade flourishing, so they very well could have been on that level at the end. Now if kids spend a whole summer barely reading, they won't have the adequate practice to sustain their previous positive reading behaviors. It is your responsibility to get books into your homes and promote reading and thinking. Grow healthy, smart kids!
2. Sign your kids up for swimming lessons. There is so much to be said about this reminder. I will only say that kids love the water but the water doesn't have any regrets. My toddler cried everyday of her 2 week swimming lessons and asked me to quit everyday but I wouldn't. The return on this investment is priceless!
3. Talk to your kids and pay attention to their social media. We know that kids are attached to their smart phones. They are posting and viewing all kinds of content. You know it is summer time, so they are not doing homework. I would suggest that you eaves drop on what they are viewing and listen to your child(ren) when they are talking. What they are doing is your business!
4. Get your kids back on schedule, 3 weeks before the start of school. Staying up late and sleeping in is common. If you let your kids keep this behavior going up until the start of school frustration may arise. I would suggest talking with your kids about school starting soon and the importance of being organized, punctual, and rested. Discuss with them why they will need all of these things to be a successful student. Then follow through.
5. Don't forget Wellness Checks. At the beginning of certain grade levels parents need to provide proof of immunizations. I recommend that you schedule your annual wellness visits with the pediatrician, optometrist and pediatric dentist. The pediatric office will inform you of the requirements. At the start of school you won't scramble.
Continue to have fun. These friendly reminders may have slipped your mind. Keep them on your to-do list and keep it moving. If you need ideas for things to do check out....Cheap and easy fun in West Palm Beach: How to start summer in your hometown
Comment below if you have any burning questions that I can help you find answer.