Many parents choose preschool because they’re looking to transition their child into the academic world one step at a time. A reputable preschool can provide socialization and an academic introduction, while still providing a safe, nurturing environment that’s focused on learning and play.
During the summer months, some families have the option of continuing preschool during the summer or following a more traditional academic schedule with summers at home. It’s up to parents to make the best decision for their family, of course. We believe there are measurable benefits to children having a consistent preschool experience during the summer holidays.
1. Prevent “Summer Slide”
The aptly-named “summer slide” refers to the loss of skills and content knowledge over the summer months. Once only an anecdotal concept, summer slide has now been backed by article after article of peer-review scientific research. Put succinctly, the skills and concepts students gain during the year can be lost if this knowledge isn’t reinforced over the summer. Since preschool is where students gain the most knowledge at the quickest pace, it becomes even more important to reinforce those skills over the summer. An academic summer camp can provide repetition of these skills in a low-key, playful atmosphere. This allows children to continue to build upon previous development, skills and knowledge without a two-month break in the learning process.
2. Maintain Established Routines
Preschoolers love routines. Establishing and maintaining consistent routines can go a long way in ensuring the happiness of your child. Keeping space, pace, and activities consistent gives children a sense of safety and knowing what to expect each day. An academic summer camp at their preschool may allow children the security of keeping their routine with some summer fun, special visitors, games, and activities to keep them engaged.
3. Increase Outdoor and Water Play
As the days lengthen, humans feel a biological imperative to get outside! This instinct to have fun in the sun is present in kids as well. Our bodies tell us to get outside in order to help us take in and metabolize Vitamin D. Safe outdoor play with proper sun protection has been correlated with an increase in Vitamin D, which has been shown to reduce the incidence of autoimmune diseases.
You’ve also probably noticed that your little one shows a strong interest in playing with water. Water activities, including filling and emptying containers help kids to understand the unique properties of liquids. Just remember: even when splashing and having fun, your child is also studying physics. If your preschool has a summer program, ask if it involves any water activities.
4. Keep Social and Emotional Connections Strong
One major reason parents choose preschool for their children is to allow them opportunities to socialize and interact. Watching a young child engage in imaginative play with other children is truly special. You can see their social awareness grow and change as they experience empathy, practice sharing, and build strong social bonds. As children continue to grow and learn, their social prowess also grows. Keeping a child in preschool over the summer helps them continue to build social connections and practice being part of a community.
5. Provide Access to Enrichment Programs
As a parent, you probably remember special summer trips and vacations your family took during the warm summer months. There’s something inviting about summer as a time to play and to make new memories. Some preschools make use of this time as an opportunity to introduce some unique elements into the preschool curriculum. Favorable weather makes it an ideal time for field trips, outdoor activities, and special visitors. See if your child’s preschool makes a concerted effort to engage children in a special way over the summer months. Kids rev up as temperatures shoot up, and a strong preschool curriculum will make use of that increase in energy.
Celebrate Summer With The Gardner School
This summer, we’re kicking off Camp Gardner, our 10-week summer program, during the first week of June. Our theme for this year is “Soaring Into Summer,” and we’re excited to help your child spread their wings and fly into the summer months. With special visits from animals, firefighters, and musicians, as well as hands-on S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities, fun snacks, art projects, and plenty of outdoor and water play, we love creating a relaxed summer camp environment that still provides children with the intellectual stimulation they need to grow. To learn more about how our summer programs, schedule a tour with us today.