PREVENTING SUMMER LEARNING LOSSES The Goddard School ® located in Upper Saint Clair stresses the importance of maintaining daily structure and learning during “ carefree ” summer months
As the school year comes to a close , it is only natural for kids to look forward to the leisurely nature of the summer season . The arrival of beach trips , pool parties and sleepovers , however , doesn ’ t mean that children should depart completely from their daily routine . Keeping particular elements of a child ’ s day consistent throughout the summer months keeps the brain focused and helps prevent learning losses during the summer . In addition , this can potentially ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into a new classroom or school come fall .
According to research conducted by the National Center for Summer Learning , which is based at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore , Maryland , summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student pursuing a college preparatory path in high school . As these findings indicate , keeping children ’ s brains challenged throughout the summer is crucial , since the lack of learning that occurs during these months has both short-term and long-term consequences .
“ Routine provides structure , which is often lacking during the summer months when children all too quickly become detached from the lessons they learned throughout the school year ,” said Bob and Lori Santo owners of The Goddard School located in Upper Saint Clair . “ Maintaining a schedule throughout the summer supports an environment that is less of a contrast to the classroom and provides a healthy balance between building skills , play and rest .”
According to the Santos , families can incorporate the following habits into their child ’ s day to encourage and maintain a routine
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PETERS TOWNSHIP ( VENETIA ) 724-941-6464
PITTSBURGH ( UPPER SAINT CLAIR ) 412-564-3600
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throughout the summer season :
• Early to bed , early to rise : To the best extent possible , children should adhere to a regular bedtime each night and wake up at the same time each day . This will not only ensure proper rest but will establish a sense of discipline as well .
• Clean up and get dressed : Upon waking up , it is important that children brush their teeth , get dressed and perform any other hygienic tasks that they normally would before a school day . Allowing kids to stay in pajamas or dirty clothes longer than necessary can result in lazy behavior .
• Make eating an event : Keeping a child on a consistent meal schedule is critical to maintaining a sharp body and mind . Establish specific times for breakfast , lunch and dinner , and sit with children at the table to encourage conversation while eating .
• Take a rest : If a child partakes in a scheduled nap time while at school , then he or she should be allotted time at home for regular rest as well . Make this time consistent , perhaps after lunch , and have the child rest in the same place everyday .
• Perform daily chores : Asking a child to help around the house is an ideal way to get them involved in a daily routine . A morning chore and an afternoon chore can convey a sense of responsibility and supply a sense of rhythm to the day . “ In addition to providing consistency , routines can present children with security and comfort as they adjust to the changes that come along with their new summer schedules ,” said Bob and Lori Santo . “ The purpose is not to create rigidity but to provide a flexible structure that establishes a sense of purpose kids need to grow and mature .”
The Goddard School located in Upper Saint Clair offers a yearround program for children from six weeks to six-years-old . Children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a warm environment supported by a team of dedicated teachers . The Goddard School FLEX Learning Program™ is based on a unique learning continuum that encompasses developmental guidelines , formative assessments and child-focused lesson plans that are delivered in a creative and fun environment with a child-centered approach to meet each child ’ s individual needs .
For more information on why The Goddard School located in Upper Saint Clair is the place for fun and learning , please contact Bob or Lori Santo at 412.564.3600 . About The Goddard School The Goddard School ( www . goddardschools . com ) is a nationwide franchise of Goddard Systems , Inc . headquartered in King of Prussia , Pennsylvania . With over 330 franchised schools nationwide and 42,000 children enrolled , Goddard is the fastest growing preschool in the United States . Goddard was recently recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as the “# 1 Childcare Franchise ” for the eighth consecutive year ( January 2009 ) and Franchise Times magazine as one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems ( in worldwide sales ) for the second consecutive year ( October 2008 ).
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo .
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School ®, located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township and 655 Painters Run Road , Upper St . Clair , 412.564.3600 . Goddard offers both full- and part-time infant / preschool / kindergarten programs . For more information , visit www . goddardschools . com or call 724.941.6464 .
Upper St . Clair | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 19