How much “school” practice do kids need in the summer?

In the spring, I often get a lot of questions about what parents should be doing with their kids over the summer to keep them from regressing.

That’s why in episode 016 of the Are they 18 yet?™ podcast, I shared my tips and recommendations for summer “school” work, so the back-to-school routine doesn’t throw your family in to a complete state of chaos in the fall.

I talk through:

✅How to start your day off on the right foot, so you can avoid meltdowns and arguments.

✅How keeping routines in place can actually allow you and your kids to enjoy more leisure time together.

✅How to set expectations for structured vs unstructured time (and why both are important).

✅How much time to spend on “school” type tasks over the summer for K-12 kids.

✅Some simple academic tasks you should be doing with your K-12 kids over the summer to keep them on track for the school year.

In this episode, I mentioned the Time Tracking Journal, which is a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework), without arguments, or constant hand-holding.

The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/

The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding. 

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.