Remember the story The Little Engine That Could (Piper 1930); about a little train trying repeatedly to make it up the hill and over the mountain?
That’s how special education is. Not unlike the little engine, our children work tirelessly to succeed.
But every year around this same time when the school-year ends, learning and education stops—or at least slows down.
Put a fork in them—those kids are done—and so are the parents! The last thing anyone wants to think about is more school!
Summertime is here and everyone is ready to have fun; movies, water parks, play dates, and family gatherings. The thought of planning summer academics, on top of the daily activites, might make some parents run for the door.
By now parents are exhausted; we’ve got our own summer plans and practicing long division is not on the list.
Truth—parents of special families must never slow down or stop educating their children.
Think about it.
How much time did you spend going over homework, study guides, or worksheets with your student during the school year?
Nothing is going to be any different during the summer months. Our children require extra effort regularly to meet optimum success—the summer months are no exception.
Truth—exceptional children who practice academics during the summer months will benefit from a smoother transition back to school.
Unfortunately, without a continuance of academic structure or lessons, our special children will fall behind faster than the little engine fell back down the hill. Sometimes it seems like ‘forever’ for our child to learn something, so don’t let him forget when he does. Keep the momentum going.
Truth–Any opportunity to support academic success during the summer will keep skills strong.
Parents might schedule an opportunity for learning a couple of times per week and focus on a different subject each time. Even one day per week for as little as an hour is better than nothing.
There are plenty of ways parents can keep skills flowing and incorporate learning into their summer schedule. Be creative. Occasions like bedtime reading, using cooking recipes to enhance math skills, and even touring local museums are good options.
Finding ways to integrate learning into your summer vacation is a “win-win” for both of you. Helping your child now will help you in the fall—it will be as if school never ended and that your student made gains from the very first day. How cool would that be?
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