What are you kids doing this summer?
Summers should be a time for kids to relax (31.8%)
They should keep up with their studies (1.6%)
Kids should have a mix of academics and non-academics (58.9%)
Depends on their age (7.8%)
Kids need a rest from school now and then but they should try to keep up on there reading and other importent subjects over the summer so they don't forget what they have learned in school! Most kids can make time for their summer activities and academics, and it is recommended that a parent should try to help them with this.
I think they should be having fun, but you can always incorporate learning into fun. That's what we do.
Reading daily is the most important. a teacher once told me ( in regard to my grandchild) during the summer when a child does NOT keep up with readin during the summer it can push them back 6 weeks or more. then they have to fight to get that time back when school starts up again
My son is taking a four week summer class. I think that's a good mix of study and relaxation.
If you've ever noticed your child losing vital skills over the summer, you'd agree with me that there should be fun and some academics! The first month or so of school is review for a reason.. kids just lose some of what they've learned. Daily reading, some math, and a little bit of other subjects can be worked in without making the kids feel like you're stealing all their fun.
I think that's why there is summer school. They only go for half a day and they actually have fun at summer school too. My kids are attending summer school right now and they love it. They only go for half a day so when they get off they still have a whole 8 hours to play and have fun and do whatever we want to do. Having a mix of both is good for the kids and their mind. I think it's even more important when they are younger compare to when they are older.
I think it's important that kids have an opportunity to rest and use their minds for creative play. I think that is an important element missing in today's educational structure. We spend so much time force feeding information that we miss the creative educational opportunities. It shouldn't stop once the kids are beyond elementary level, either. We should fight for their time to rest and relax, just as much as we fight for our own.
Kids need to at least keep up their reading skills like joining a summer reading program. They should also have a balance of fun in the sun because most kids work hard during the fall and winter to achieve good things for themselves.