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My ideal vision of summer with my three kids rarely becomes a reality. Sure, we could toss caution aside, zipping from parks to pools and indulging in fast food, but the truth is that both my kids and I flourish with structure and routine. While fun is certainly important, a summer filled with nothing but play would likely leave me with four cranky kids and a chaotic house. No, thank you.
Every summer, my children receive a daily to-do list that encompasses chores, tutoring, therapies, music practice, and yes—some educational work. I’m the kind of mom who embraces the idea of academic tasks during summer break.
Before you voice any objections, let me explain why we incorporate summer schoolwork. It’s not about helping them catch up or preventing them from falling behind. The past year and a half, with the pandemic impacting education, has been tough on all students. The last thing kids need is more pressure to “keep up” in this chaotic environment. I’m not trying to push my kids to ace standardized tests or graduate early. In fact, I believe the pressure on students and teachers is excessive, and we risk teaching children to dread learning instead of enjoying it. Plus, I have a background in teaching.
So why do I assign learning tasks during the summer? Don’t kids deserve a break from academic pressure? Sure, summer could be one endless celebration. But, in my opinion, taking three months off from learning isn’t the best approach.
Firstly, the work I assign provides my kids with something productive to do, preventing them from constantly asking for snacks, whining about boredom, or squabbling with each other. Well, at least for a little while each day. I can’t be their entertainer all summer, and I suspect you can’t either. Most of us have jobs and other responsibilities beyond parenting. I don’t want to be the main event during every waking moment of summer—it’s exhausting!
My children engage in daily academic work in areas where they need improvement. This practice helps them build confidence and sharpen their skills. Skipping three months of learning can lead to significant struggles come fall, resulting in tears, frustration, and embarrassment. Although my kids may not fully appreciate this now, these daily tasks are ultimately for their benefit. Ignoring a bit of work now often leads to challenges when the school year resumes.
I assign my kids about thirty minutes of academic tasks, Monday through Friday during the summer. Yes, you read that right. They engage in academic work for about half an hour each day. One child focuses on math, while another concentrates on reading comprehension. We use various tools tailored to their individual needs. For instance, flashcards work best for one child’s math facts, while occupational therapist-designed handwriting workbooks are useful for another. Two of my kids also utilize school-provided websites for math practice. Whatever works, we make it happen.
For any parent contemplating whether to assign summer schoolwork, I encourage you to feel free to do so if you believe it will benefit your child. This can take many forms—enroll them in an online class or specialty camp, play educational games, find apps or websites for practice, or purchase flashcards and workbooks. If possible, consider hiring a tutor. There’s no right or wrong method.
In our family, the older siblings help the younger ones. For example, 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 also take turns assisting the kids with their work.
You might wonder what to do if your child outright refuses to do their assignments or only completes them partially. For us, that’s simple. My kids have a daily to-do list, and if they finish it, they earn an hour of screen time while we prepare dinner. No completed work means no tech time. This straightforward rule teaches them responsibility for their choices. We check their work—not for perfection, but to ensure they understood the tasks and completed them. This approach also keeps us informed about their academic progress and any gaps that need addressing.
Alternatively, you can give your kids the gift of time to read. Visit the library for free materials, check out local used bookstores, or swap books with friends. Let your child select topics and formats that interest them. My kids, for instance, adore graphic novels—especially the sillier ones. I’m thrilled they enjoy reading because it entertains them while enhancing their vocabulary, grammar, and imagination.
Assigning daily academic work during the summer, despite the occasional complaints, works well for our family. The amount of work is manageable, and for the most part, they can complete tasks independently, asking for help when needed. When back-to-school time arrives, this summer work pays off, creating a win-win-win situation for parents, kids, and their future teachers. Plus, you’ll gain a few moments to catch up on tasks, enjoy a brief respite, or savor a fresh cup of coffee.
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Summary:
In our household, summer means a structured approach to learning, with each of my kids receiving a daily to-do list that includes academic tasks alongside chores and fun activities. This routine fosters responsibility and helps them maintain their skills, ultimately easing the transition back to school. While the kids might sometimes groan, the manageable workload allows them to grow confidently and independently. As a parent, this approach ensures I can also carve out time for myself amidst the busy summer days.