Summer Preparation

• Southeast Region: South JK on March 15, Northeast & Birmingham JKs on April 12th!  Register today for the event and order your robotic-themed books 
• Midwest Region: Glenview Jamatkhana on April 4th. Register here.

Though it is only March, the summer months are fast approaching and will be here before we know it. As families prepare for this summer, it is imperative to take into account the positive impacts and possible setbacks the 2-3 month break may have on students. During the summer months, families need to help to strike a balance for students, so that they truly feel like they are getting a break, but also gaining new skills, be it academic or interactive team work skills, in order to avoid summer learning loss. 

In our newsletter from last spring, we provided resources around planning for a successful summer, and what that entails. In this month’s edition, we will expand on the planning portion and provide you with region specific resources for possible summer programs for your child (see graphic below).

Spring into Learning: Education Activities for Warmer Months 

When looking at summer activities for students, it is important to consider certain factors before deciding on a summer program or camp. Studies show that students lose a significant amount of their learning over the summer. This data is based on test scores that are given in the fall, and show a particular drop in learning from the end of the previous year to the beginning of the next school year. Summer programs are a strategy that can help alleviate this loss of learning. This month’s newsletter strives to be a resource for you as you consider your child’s summer plans. 

As you begin planning for summer programs, a first step to consider would be to think through programs as a family. 

A couple of questions to ask your child would be: 

• What are you interested in?

• What skills would you like to grow in? 

After having this discussion, start to plan out your summer months as a family. Consider your schedule and the impact of programs on your daily routines. Thereafter, think through some academic or social emotional skills that your child may benefit from building upon.

Keeping Academic and Social Skills Sharp During Summer Break 

The summer is a great time for students to not only improve upon skills they build during the school year, but to also pick up new skills. With the summer programs offered and available through multiple organizations, students can be exposed to both academic and social emotional skillsets.

Balancing Act

During a child’s schooling, it is natural and important to have breaks. This gives the student a time to reflect upon what has been learned and what is on the horizon. A break is also an opportunity for just that, a break. Just as every athlete needs a rest day, a student needs time to enjoy some other areas of their childhood. Think of summer break as a balancing act. Programs are just as important for a child’s well being as playing outside with friends or family.