Why Some Routine Is a Summer Must for Early Learners

The following reader's report was submitted by Kim Dearth, director of the voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program at the .

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Your child has been enrolled in Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) or a PreK-3 program throughout the school year and now, all too soon, the summer will be  here.

The question is: How important is it to keep your child active, entertained and engaged in a routine throughout the long summer months as well?

Children of all ages need consistency in their lives. All children, and especially the preschool child, craves routine. A child’s understanding of  what is expected of him, and what to expect of her day, plays a major role in helping a child feel both secure and in control.  This expectation develops independence and confidence and affords the opportunity to grow.

Teacher-directed activities are wonderful ways to incorporate skills that are needed for entering into kindergarten. A daily schedule of structured activities, such as arts and crafts, hands-on learning and interactive games, allow for group and individual learning experiences.

With today’s children tipping the scales, a physical element to a child’s day is a necessity. Children of preschool age may have difficult in organized sports, but they still need the opportunity to run, climb and swing and to engage in other suitable playground activities. Living in Florida, where water activities are virtually year-round, swimming is another way children are able to build their gross motor skills. Swimming lessons for preschoolers not only are fun but can also save lives.

It is also essential to incorporate free play into the day for the development of the whole child. Along with the learning that occurs in free play, children need the opportunity to explore, imagine, be creative and discover their talents and abilities. Not given the experience to learn to “entertain” oneself often turns into trouble in the future due to the child not understanding to use his or her time productively.

So, you decide to extend your child’s yearly routine with a summer camp program.  Through your best efforts, how will you find a facility that works for you and your growing child?

Here’s some tips to consider:

• The staff: Are they friendly, genuinely concerned about your child’s daily experience? What is the staff turnover?
• The facility: Does it offer lots of opportunities and space for your child to experience physical and educational opportunities? Your search should lead you to facility with  a large playground and open fields, large pleasing classroom, and a wonderful swimming pool for those hot summer day.
• The schedule: Is it flexible enough to accommodate your needs? Remember, too, there is a fine line between the amount of structure and unstructured time. The classroom schedule, even during the summer months, lends itself to a good balance. Children will enjoy good routines, activities and exercise and will give you child a great time. When parents stick with schedules at home summer can be a fun time. Let your childcare facility care about your child as much as you do.