As the final school bell rings, students rush out of the school halls and are filled with joy as they bask in the summer sun, which always feels brightest on the last school day – the end of the school year. Students may be looking forward to a trip to Europe, a sports retreat to hone their skills, or simply staying in town and hanging out with friends.
The summer should be used to relax and recharge, but it is also one of the most vital times of the year for students. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next school year. There is ample time to dive into something brand new and uncover a new skill.
While not the most desirable item on the list, it is important to ensure that your child is not falling behind on their studies before the next school year. The work they did and the materials they learned will need to be applied to what they learn next school year. Take 30 minutes each day and go back to review learning gaps. Do not let them fall behind.
School is out, and all of a sudden, there are more than 6 extra hours freed up on the weekdays. This is a great opportunity to look ahead to what kind of materials will be taught in the following grade after summer. BC curricula are easy to access, and even your child’s teachers would be happy to shed light on what’s to come.
The above two points will feel much more productive and efficient if your child is completing those things with a tutor. Schedule a tutoring session twice a week for even just 1 hour per session, and they will be able to help keep your child’s brain working and prevent the dreaded “Summer Slide”!
A recent finding from the National Literacy Trust, reports a reading frequency of 20.5% amongst the 8 to 18 demographic. Take advantage of the free time – send your child to your local library to pick up a book, set up your beach towel or lawn chair, and get them reading before next school year.
Going hand in hand with reading, make sure your child writes regularly throughout the summer. Encourage them to write in a journal of their daily activities, write about the books they’ve read, or write about something of interest. Ask your child’s tutor for suggestions and topics to write about.
Utilize the time away from school to get your child to pick up their first job! They get to pick up new skills, make new friends, add to their piggy bank, and maybe even get some awesome discounts from work. If they aren’t old enough to work yet, get them to try volunteering in the local community or encourage them to run a lemonade stand and show their entrepreneurial spirit.
The perfect time to get your child outside of their comfort zone is during the summer. Now that they have the stress of classes and homework out of the way, encourage them to try something new by themselves or with family or friends. They will pick up a new skill or hobby by trying something new. Some ideas include writing a screenplay, learning to cook, kayaking, or building a computer from scratch – the possibilities are endless!
Has your child ever wanted to play the same tunes as their favourite artist? Here’s their chance to really get immersed in a musical instrument and benefit their brain. Once they start creating the same sounds as their most beloved song, they will not be able to stop!
I’m talking to the video game, Netflix, and YouTube crowd – get outside! Video games and the latest hit shows are awesome, but do not miss out on the summer weather. Get your child to go for a long walk, play sports at the park, or hike up to the top of a mountain for the best views.
The final thing encompasses everything on this list. Your child should have a sense of accomplishment from the work they put in with their tutor in reviewing and looking ahead for next school year. Make sure they enjoy the book they choose, what they write, and the hobby they pick up. The clock during summer always seems to tick faster for kids, so remind them not to let time go or waste away, they should enjoy what they do this summer. They are only young once.
About Kenny Chan
Outside of his 9-5 job as a mortgage advisor, Kenny is a private tutor with School is Easy for English, Social Studies, Math, and Sciences. He got his start in teaching and tutoring while he was in university. He was born and raised in Vancouver, BC and went through the BC education system including completing a bachelor’s degree in UBC. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, golfing, and hiking.
Vancouver, 604/227-2882
booksmarttutors.ca/vancouver
Book Smart Tutors Inc. provides affordable one-on-one tutoring service in person in your home and online in Vancouver.
Their tutors follow the provincial school curriculum and offer customized tutoring programs for all subjects from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Tutors are also available for many college and university subjects.
Fraser Academy, 2294 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
[email protected]
fraseracademy.ca/x/summer-boost-camp/
Unlock your child’s potential this summer! Our Grades 2–8 camp supports kids who learn differently through a hands-on, multisensory approach that builds literacy, numeracy, and executive function skills. With 1:1 or small-group instruction, engaging activities in art, science, drama, music, and outdoor learning, and a focus on confidence-building, kids discover and celebrate their unique strengths. Half- and full-day options available.
Richmond, Vancouver
Tel: 604-285-3835
Mobile: 778-321-3903
[email protected]
drjennychan.com
JCE has proudly served the Greater Vancouver area for over a decade, providing personalized, high-quality instruction in English, Math, and Science for K–12 students. They’re launching exciting new summer programs—STEAM Institute and Summer Camps—alongside the opening of their 3rd location. With over 200 students and global reach, there’s never been a better time to join. Discover how every student can learn.
North Shore and Burnaby 604-9001-604
Greater Vancouver 604-439-1790
Richmond 604-283-9914
schooliseasy.com
In-Home/Online TUTORING. Award-winning service in the Lower Mainland since 2002. Free consultation. Learning Plan. Quality tutors. All grades 1-12 and University/all subjects. *Math *Science * English *French immersion * ESL * Elementary * Study skills *SAT exam prep *Autism * ADHD *Special Ed
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