I always think it’s a good idea for kids to learn to self-study over the summer, but Covid-19 caused our school year to send about 3 weeks earlier than anticipated and we ended the school year on distance learning status. Having to teach my son most of the material he required for the last 2 months of school, really showed me the areas where he struggles and how he learns best. In an effort to continue his reading progress and to encourage him to continue to learn throughout the summer, I put together a study schedule to keep he and I both aware of his studies. The schedule is a weekly schedule that I simply post in the living room using the post it oversized super-sticky easel pad. We try to only study 45 to an hour a day. He usually frets, but in the end is happy with his progress. I even threw in some Zoom summer camps to keep things interesting.

Our school was nice enough to allow us to continue to use many of the online learning systems that they use I the classroom over the summer, such as Raz Kids, Freckle and Zearn for math.

I actually speak some elementary Spanish (I’m learning more and more everyday) so for his Spanish lessons, I am utilizing Berlitz as they have online tutors that work with him twice a week so he doesn’t lose any skills.

We kept the schedule as you see it here from June until early July. Towards the end of July, we did 3 weeks of summer camps. The schedule came out a little blurry because my kids broke my camera, but you get the idea.

Super Sized Post It Notes and KIMBR Desk

Monday – Berlitz Spanish lesson at 1pm (45 min)

Tuesday – Grammar and Writing focused activities

Wednesday – Reading at least 4 books on grade level

Thursday – Math via Workbooks or Zearn

Friday – Berlitz Spanish lesson at 2pm (45 min)

Saturday (Zoom violin lessons) for the month of June and early July

In order to accomplish our studying goals, I put together some simply study zones in the house. She has two study zones primarily. He is encouraged to read anywhere. Zone one is in the dining room, I’m usually working nearby, so I can easily answer questions for him. I got this desk back in May from Amazon, it’s become quite popular. It was easy to assemble and is very ergonomic, so I don’t get any more complaints about Shane being uncomfortable. The SIMBR kids desk comes with the chair as well. The desk was especially useful when using the online programs and using his Scholastic First Grader jumbo workbook. #ads #commissionearned

The second zone is in our basement and it’s used for his summer camp. I wanted summer camp to feel like he was going someplace else, so it made sense to use our rustic basement. I used the same post-its from Amazon to create a sign welcoming my camper and set up a utility table with all of the resources that he may use during camp. Summer Camp was held for 3 weeks, for 3 times a week for 40 minutes, 10 minute break, and then 40 more minutes. Camp usually begins at 10am, on Wednesday it starts at 9am, held via Zoom. I try and put snacks downstairs to limit how many trips he has to make to come upstairs. The bathroom is nearby as well.

I was also doing Hooked on Phonics with my son, but switched things up for the summer. I have seen significant reading progress and he hasn’t lost any math skills and probably has retained much more Spanish than usual.

This post isn’t sponsored by anyone, just my humble opinion of what works well for my 1^st grader. Please comment with your schedule, too as I love to make improvements where I can.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]