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Guidance: Full Article

With summer coming soon, we are beginning to focus attention on ways to make the months ahead a happy and profitable time for our children. That period of time when school is not in formal session is an ideal time for our children to catch up with peers, to get ahead with some special learning, or to explore new areas and experiences. There are many opportunities for your child during the summer, and it is possible to design some activities that are especially suited to the needs and interests of the child.

Here at school we would like to suggest that you approach the summer by doing the following things to help the child that we share with you:

1. Talk to your child's teachers. Find out if your child needs extra help so that he or she can catch up with others. Is there a remedial class available during the summer? Would a tutor be appropriate? Does the child need to take a summer class in order to meet requirements for graduation? What special interests have been shown by your child at school that should be given attention during the summer months?
   
   
2. Talk to your building principal. The administrator of your school has a wealth of information about opportunities in your community. He or she can advise you about classes that are available--such as driver education, arts and crafts, music, keyboarding, and enrichment opportunities. Your principal will also have information about opportunities and activities that are a part of the programs of other community agencies. Information about sports programs, summer library activities, and summer day camps can be obtained from your building principal. He or she can offer you helpful information as well as professional advice on the suitability of various activities for your particular child.
   
   
3. After you know something about your child's needs and interests and the opportunities available in your community, it is time to plan the summer with your child. Listen to what your child expresses about choices, interests, and needs for the summer. If your child needs remedial instruction in order to catch up, then that should take priority. But along with academics, there should be some high-interest activities which provide a balance. Be prepared to negotiate, to set realistic goals, and to offer wise counsel about choices that move your child toward his or her goals.
   
   
4. Build in to the summer plan some activities that are designed for the personal growth of your child. Summer offers an opportunity for children to engage in activities that encourage the building of friendships and the development of social skills in the child. Sports teams, day camps, youth groups, and clubs promote personal and social growth. The summer months offer an opportunity for your child to learn increased responsibility at home and in the family. This part of your plan needs specific guidelines and a built-in system for monitoring and rewarding success.
   
   
5. The summer period is a good time to include some new activities and projects. It is a time when children can sample those things for which there has been no time during the school year. Learning to play a musical instrument, creating art projects, making a collection, working at a part-time job, learning to cook or sew--all of these kinds of activities hold possibilities for your child and could be a part of a plan for summer growth. Any and all of them mean getting ahead for your child.

Conference with your child's teacher, gather information and advice from your school principal, make a plan with your child for a summer of growth. Then monitor, encourage, and participate with your child in the program of activities you have chosen. Make it a summer of catching up, getting ahead, and taking pride in what you and your child have been able to achieve.

It goes without saying that we want to work with you in planning your summer. Please contact us so that we can work for the continued welfare of your child.

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