Shifting From The Structured Academic Year to Summer Schedules

Kids grappling with emotional and social needs often thrive on routine. It provides them with a sense of security and predictability during the school year, they follow a structured routine. This routine helps them manage their behaviors and develop their skills. This is one supporting reason Logos follows an eleven-month school calendar.

However, the summer break disrupts this routine. This disruption can lead to confusion and anxiety for students.

Maintaining a summer structure is crucial. It helps to provide stability and continuity in their lives.

Challenges of Summer for Kids with Social and Emotional Health Needs

The summer break can pose several challenges for kids with mental health needs. One of the main challenges is the potential regression in skills.

Without the daily practice provided by school, kids may lose some of the progress they have made. This loss can be in academic, social, or behavioral skills.

Another challenge is the lack of social interaction. During the school year, students interact with their peers daily.

In summer, these interactions may decrease, leading to feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Creating a Summer Routine That Works

Creating a summer routine can be a balancing act. The routine should mirror the structure of the school year.

This structure provides a sense of familiarity and stability. It also helps maintain the skills learned during the school year.

Here are strategies to consider:

-            Maintain consistent wake-up and bedtime schedules.

-            Collaborate with educators and therapists to align activities with the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

-            Involve the child in the planning process to give them a sense of control and ownership.

-            Incorporating Educational Activities

-            Incorporating educational activities into the summer schedule is crucial. These activities help prevent learning loss.

They can be fun and engaging, serving both therapeutic and educational purposes. For instance, reading programs or educational games can maintain academic skills. There are many fun and educational places to visit in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.

Remember, the goal is not to replicate school but to keep the mind active and engaged.

Balancing Structure with Free Time

While structure is important, so is free time. Free time promotes relaxation and creativity.

It is essential to strike a balance between structured activities and free time. This balance allows children to explore their interests and hobbies.

Remember, summer should also be a time for kids to enjoy and have fun.

Tools for Maintaining Summer Structure

There are tools that can help maintain structure for teens on summer break. These tools can make the routine more understandable and manageable.

Visual schedules, apps, and timers can be particularly helpful. Here are a few examples:

-            Visual schedules with pictures or symbols

-            Timer apps for managing activity durations

-            Educational apps for learning and skill reinforcement

Visual Schedules and Their Benefits

Visual schedules are a powerful tool. They provide a clear and tangible representation of the daily routine.

By using pictures or symbols, these schedules can help kids understand what to expect next. This understanding can reduce anxiety and improve compliance with the routine.

Engaging Summer Activities for Developmental Support

Summer activities can be both fun and educational. They can help special needs kids continue their developmental progress.

Here are a few examples:

-            Therapeutic horseback riding

-            Art and music therapy sessions

-            Social skills groups or camps

These activities can provide a balance of learning, social interaction, and fun.

Preparing for the Transition Back to School

As summer ends, it is crucial to prepare for the school year. This can help ease the transition and start off the new year with a great start.

Start by gradually reintroducing school-year routines. This can include earlier bedtimes and structured learning activities.

Embracing Flexibility Within Structure

Creating a summer structure for your teen is a balancing act. It's about maintaining routine while also allowing flexibility.

Remember, the goal is to support your student’s development and happiness. So, adjust the plan as needed to meet their unique needs.

In the end, a well-planned summer can lead to a smoother transition back to school. It can also provide a rewarding and enjoyable break for your loved one.

Contact the LOGOS school at: 314-997-7002 ext. 116 or contact us at: https://bit.ly/3RNsNZw to set up your virtual or in-person tour and experience the LOGOS Magic. https://www.logosschool.org/