Summer Sessions: First Grade into Second Grade

One year of formal schooling done! No doubt you’ve got a lot of information from teachers and assistants, and tons of advice from other parents. The pressure can be strong to get your child on the right educational track and keep them there. What are the best summer options? How much should you push your child over the summer? What’s the best camp?

The best advice you should follow is to relax. Your children need to know that you are interested in their success, but you believe in their abilities. They already feel the stress of performing well. Let them know that their best effort is what’s most important. Research has shown that effort, more than ability, determines success. This summer, physical play and reading are still top priorities, as well as developing a comfort level with math. Memorizing basic facts might be boring, but it can make future math classes easier for your child. Flash cards and games are very helpful, but worksheets are iffy: if your child enjoys completing them, go ahead; if your child is resistant, avoid worksheets and find math games instead.

Puzzles, sports, and artistic self-expression are great ways to keep your child’s brain smart while it’s growing (which it is- a lot!). Children at this age are still developing a sense of order, perfection of tasks, and other cognitive abilities which affect learning. They may become easily frustrated and avoid difficult tasks. Let them know it’s ok to fail as long as they keep trying. Set aside time every day for reading, math games, and writing. Whether or not handwriting is taught in your child’s school, it should be encouraged at home.

Follow any guidance or feedback you received from the teacher regarding improving skills. Again, your child is not in the danger zone yet, so a relaxed attitude that treats learning as something fun that we do every day is the best approach. If you have any concerns about learning disabilities or health issues that might impair learning, talk to your pediatrician.