Summer School In Session

It may be the first day of our summer break, but (unfortunately for Ashley and Anthony) it is the beginning of Mrs. Hoyt's summer school program. This is a program I started last summer, mainly to help Anthony get up-to-speed with where he should have been with reading and writing, because his school sure couldn't do it. But I had Ashley do the program as well, mainly to give her something to do. I know there have been studies done on children that do some sort of school work during the summer, and they tend to retain their classroom skills. This is definitely something I kept in mind when I started this too. Not only did I see big improvements with both Ashley and Anthony, but Anthony actually became advanced in reading.

We do the summer bridge activity books daily, which is working on 2 pages each day, and I also have Ashley and Anthony spend some time writing in their own notebook (whatever they want to write about). They also spend a certain amount of time reading. It is at least 20-30 minutes a day, but I know Ashley reads about an hour each night before bed as well. Anthony and I also work on his spelling words, focusing mainly on the sight words required for him.

This only takes about 1 hour each day and we do it right after breakfast, so it is done and out-of-the-way and the kids have the rest of the day to do whatever. After every 20 days (M-F), the kids will get a prize for completing the school work. We will also be planning some field trips throughout the summer for fun and education. I do want the kids to enjoy their summer, but I don't want them just sitting in front of the t.v. during their down times either. I plan on doing a whole lot more with the kids this summer than last year, as I was still recovering from my surgery last summer. I want us all to enjoy our summer!

Today was a bit tasking for me however, as it took a little longer to get the program going. Anthony was a little resistent to starting, but once we got into it, he realized how quickly it could go. I don't give them much option to doing it. They pretty much have to do it. Once we get into the rhythm of the program, it will get easier. It's not much different than having a schedule during the school year. We all have to adapt to it and eventually just deal with it. I saw the success this program had already, so it only makes sense to continue it. It's pretty basic, but it can make a big difference. I don't claim to be a school educator in any way. I'm just a Mother who is trying to get through the summer with some sort of plan! :)