Not Everyone's Favorite Time is Summer Break: Resources to Help
You usually hear cheers when the dismissal bell rings on the last day of school. The buses drive out of the loop, and then you look at an empty classroom. However, amongst the cheers and goodbyes, some students will be silent. Summer break is not everyone’s favorite time of the year for various reasons. It can be a lack of structure. It can be home-life concerns. This article cannot address all the issues in education, but here are some resources that can help.
Missing a social circle
There is more connectivity with people outside your neighborhood in the summertime than before phones, but that doesn’t make the issue non-existent. In-person interactions, especially without the pressures for perfection that social media can bring, are essential for kids. See if your child can bike ride or play pick-up basketball outside with their peers. Check if there is a community center where the kids can meet if that is more feasible. Try to have informal gatherings with different social circles so your child can interact with more people. Try to vary the day beyond online interactions, especially if it disrupts your child’s sleep. Rest is critical, especially during the break.
Possibly your child has a summer job. Try to find time to ensure they interact with their peers outside their work schedule. Children deserve to have some break time with friends as well.
Less structure than during the school year
Class and subject changes at school can help break up the day. Some students like their day planned out, and having several weeks off can make it a tough transition. Camps can help. Try to find subjects your child likes for some buy-in. Look into local government programs where there can be some exciting topics and financial assistance for qualified families. There may be a few items your child would need to look at the list below.
Check out this list of what to pack for summer camp. Especially for adventure overnight camps going to the store to grab something someone forgot may be difficult so it is essential to ensure you have everything ready to go!
Students also can be craving intellectual stimulation during the long break. Encourage your child to read a certain amount during the day, before bed, or on a rainy day. Also check out the article below to spark some curiosity on how to your child can engage with different subjects during the summer.
These are great products for your child to engage with content over summer break! Especially on a rainy day, these can be useful. I tried to divide it up by content areas.
Food Insecurity
Yes, it is a challenging subject to bring up during the break, but food insecurity is very real to too many children. Every educator I know, including myself, has been a lifeline for students who need food. Unfortunately, that is tough to maintain over the summer. As a parent, possibly share this with a community group; they may know people who can benefit. If you are an educator, you are probably nodding since you have had to assist children with their basic needs. Share these resources, possibly with the counseling department or an after-school group that may help your students.
Find Meals for Kids When Schools are Closed | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
The US Department of Agriculture runs this website. One shortcoming of this database is not every state has locations to serve meals. I am not quite sure why that is (I am not affiliated with the USDA), but if you are in a state with locations for meal distribution, this is a great resource.
Free Meals Summer Lunch Food Program for Kids | No Kid Hungry
This database has more locations and looks like it covers every state. No Kid Hungry is a non-profit, so I would see the verification process to determine how someone may qualify for meals. (I am not affiliated with No Kid Hungry).
Let these resources guide you and community members with services they may need and also to help your children have a fun, engaging summer. I hope your family enjoys their summer break.
