Summer break is here. While children may cheer for freedom, extended time off from private schools can also lead to boredom. Social interaction is key to keeping your child happy, engaged, and learning during those long summer months. Let’s look at some of the top reasons to prioritize social connection for your students this summer.
1. Prevents Learning Loss
Studies show students can lose up to two months of academic skills over summer break. Private schools often offer summer camp programs to combat this “summer slide.” Social activities can also exercise their minds. Conversation, games, and shared projects tap into skills like math, reading, and critical thinking. Keeping their brains active will help students retain what they’ve learned when they return to the classroom in the fall.
2. Wards Off Boredom
Long summer days with nothing to do quickly lead to bored, restless children. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 24% of private schools offer instruction beyond the normal school day for students who seek academic advancement or enrichment. Learning shouldn’t stop when school lets out! Scheduling regular playdates, outings to the park, museum trips, or library activities keeps little ones engaged and gives the day’s purpose.
3. Teaches Social Skills
Interacting with peers is how children learn and practice essential social skills like cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. These life skills grow each time they join a game, share toys, navigate group dynamics, or handle neighborhood disagreements. Students who lack social connection can miss out on developing strong social abilities. Make sure your children get plenty of opportunities for quality peer interaction this summer.
4. Physical Health Benefits
Social activities get your little one away from TV, video games, and phones and get their bodies moving! Active play increases strength, coordination, and flexibility while decreasing risks of obesity and mood disorders. Tennis, basketball, tag, jump rope, and other group games prompt lots of healthy movement. Long summer days are perfect for promoting outdoor play and activity with friends.
5. Boosts Confidence
Students gain confidence when they connect with peers who share similar interests, values, and personality traits. Finding this sense of belonging helps shape their identity. Trying new things together, like sports, arts and crafts, or volunteering encourages them to step outside their comfort zone. Fostering these social experiences gives a great confidence boost heading into the new school year.
The social connections children make during summer can also blossom into lasting friendships as they return to school. Get ahead now by setting up playdates, signing up for clubs, camps, or rec programs, and taking advantage of other social opportunities.
