We are going to Britain for most of the summer, staying with our extended family. Last summer holiday, my son didn't do much schoolwork, and I think his academic skills slipped. He struggles a bit at school. How can I make sure this doesn't happen again?
Many parents fear their children are going to forget everything they have ever learnt over the summer holiday. Of course, this is not the case, but that is not to say that important areas of learning - especially reading and automatic basic number recall - should not be continued and consolidated in a variety of fun ways.
This is a good opportunity for your son to have a break from the busy routine of school and extracurricular activities. A holiday can offer a range of rich activities that can be so valuable. Your son will have time to think and reflect, be creative and imaginative and develop other skills and interests apart from the value of taking a fresh perspective and good old-fashioned play and relaxation. Don't underestimate the chance to reflect and just 'be'. Over-scheduling children during these breaks can actually be detrimental to their emotional health and future learning potential.
There are many activities you can do together over the summer to maintain your son's skills. Try to keep these opportunities hands-on and don't call them schoolwork.
He could make a scrapbook about his holiday, send postcards to family and keep in touch with friends via e-mail. Writing with a purpose is always a great way to improve skills.
Doing arts and crafts is usually a winner, and there are many books full of creative ideas and television programmes that demonstrate drawing, painting and modelling. Alternatively, just provide some interesting materials and let him experiment. He could also practise with a musical instrument.