Staying Ahead Academically...

Staying Ahead Academically Over the Summer

While relaxation and vacation are on everybody’s mind as soon as summer hits, a lack of balance between sleeping until noon and spending every day at the beach can be an uncomfortable rhythm to break when school rolls back around.

There are many ways to keep your students' minds sharp outside traditional classroom time or worksheets while balancing summer activities and time in the sun. Not only will these tips keep your student from falling behind, but they may also even help them get ahead.

Volunteering

Committing time to a charity is not only a great way to help a cause your student is passionate about, but it also serves as an excellent resume builder. Encourage your student to find opportunities in the community and get involved.

Summer Jobs

From babysitting the neighbors to full-time internships, a summer job is an amazing way to learn new skills and responsibilities while earning money. A work schedule can also help keep the students in a mindset similar to a structured school day and can ease the transition when the school year rolls back around.

Enrichment Programs & Camps

These are opportunities for students to learn more about subjects, develop hobbies and explore their passions in a setting that may not always be offered in the classroom. Keep an eye out for an area of study or enjoyment that you know fits your student already, and encourage them to try something new as well.

Supplemental Instruction

This can be a two-fold opportunity. If you have a student who is super passionate about a specific subject in school, supplemental instruction with a teacher or instructor over the summer can take that passion to the next level and keep your student’s skills sharp. Or, if you have a student who struggled with a subject during the year and feels additional instruction would help them better understand upcoming material, this is a great opportunity as well.

Summer Reading

While it seems simple, 96% of educators agree that reading over the summer encourages and increases student achievement. Summer also gives students time to choose their own books to enjoy instead of having them assigned as part of a curriculum. Check out your local library or school district office to learn about Summer Reading Incentive Programs, which recognize and reward students with prizes, parties, gift cards, etc. for reading.