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The Case for a Structured Summer
What Your Child Doesn’t Know They Need
The recent summer solstice officially welcomed us into possibly the most beloved of seasons… and it’s about time! Summertime is iconically linked with fun, freedom, and fuss-free days, which is why it’s so beloved by kids and adults alike. Its carefree nature is alluring to students after a year of homework and early nights, and to parents who frantically packed lunches and signed forgotten permission slips each weekday morning. Late nights and sleep-in mornings are understandably appealing as a result, as are days that could easily be improvised on a whim. And while there is a certain joy to these days, they may not be the best kind for many children who benefit from a more structured and predictable routine.
In this month’s newsletter, we make a case for a more structured summer by highlighting its more long-term benefits. But fear not! More structure doesn’t mean less fun, so check out some suggestions on implementing a routine that won’t take an ounce of summer joy away from you or your little ones.
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MONTHLY FEATURES
Book: And Then Comes Summer
“From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.”
Product: Water table
A water table is a joy for children in the summer! A cool reprieve for little hands to explore a variety of sensory inputs is an inexpensive activity that keeps both younger and older children entertained daily. Add figurines, water squirters, cups, spoons, sand or water beads to add dimension, sensory interest, and imaginative and pretend play. You can purchase a manufactured water table or make one of your own using a shallow bin.
Quote
Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.
– Al Bernstein
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Don’t Be Careless About Being Carefree
Why Routine Matters…Even in the Summer!
Summer conjures images of many physical joys- sunshine, water fun, popsicles, lemonade stands, fireflies, and late-night sunsets. It also tends to elicit a feeling- primarily, that of being carefree. While not having a care in the world is a liberating feeling that everyone should occasionally experience, this sensation often turns summer into an entire season that lacks any kind of structure. This can sound appealing to a number of parents, but it is important to remember that many children– especially those with diagnoses such as autism or ADHD– do best when they know what to expect, and can experience greater difficulty when their daily lives are unstructured.
Predictable daily routines often help children:
- Feel safe and secure
- Understand time and transitions
- Build independence
- Practice skills in meaningful ways
For children with speech or developmental delays, routines can be especially helpful, as knowing what’s coming next reduces anxiety, minimizes behavioral challenges, and creates more opportunities to use communication or motor skills in everyday moments.
While the thought of making the entire summer a completely structured season may sound daunting or even depressing, a summer routine does not have to replicate a school day or a time chart in order to garner benefits.
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While predictability is an important factor, there is also room for flexibility. After all, not even the most organized person can completely predict what every moment of the day looks like. Consider the following staples to get started with when planning some structure:
- A consistent wake-up and bedtime
- Set times for meals and snacks
- Built-in quiet time or screen-free time
- Daily playtime and outdoor time
- A simple written or visual schedule
The use of a written or visual schedule can be an extremely helpful tool in successfully implementing some structure into your day. Consider creating a laminated board with velcro dots in order to make an interchangeable schedule or purchase one like this from Amazon. For example, if on Mondays, “quiet time” happens after lunch but on Wednesdays, library class is after lunch, then an interchangeable schedule allows you to place “quiet time” later or earlier in the day. Still predictable, yet flexible.
Even the most “type B” parents may learn to love more scheduled summers. Oftentimes, the excitement of summer is most palpable in the echo of the last school bell, but by the end of June (right where we are now!), the lack of routine can begin to create feelings of restlessness. In this way, a predictable but flexible routine can put both child and adult at greater ease.
Ultimately, routines don’t have to mean strict rules– they’re about predictability. Allow room for summer fun and spontaneity, but anchor the day with a few consistent routines to support your child’s growth and reduce stress for everyone. In this way, you are also building the runway for your child’s takeoff into the upcoming school year, where you want them to soar.
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A Day in the Life of a Structured Summer
A Sample Day-to-Day Schedule
7:00 AM – Wake up and morning routine
Make bed, brush teeth, get dressed, and eat breakfast. Starting the day with structure helps set expectations and will make starting the school year easier.
8:00 AM – Free play or outdoor time
Unstructured play boosts creativity and problem-solving, while outdoor time supports sensory regulation. So get out there!
9:30 AM – Learning activity
Try a speech or fine motor activity like a matching game, tracing, or reading together.
10:00 AM – Snack time
Use this as a chance to work on requesting, trying new foods, or following directions.
10:30 AM – Outing or active play
Visit a park, take a walk, or do movement games, like kid-friendly yoga on YouTube. Gross motor play supports focus and mood, and gets stagnant energy out!
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1:00 PM – Quiet time
Reading, puzzles, or resting. Calming time helps regulate energy and emotions.
2:30 PM – Playdate or structured activity
A great time for turn-taking, social skills, or therapist-recommended exercises, such as an obstacle course or articulation practice.
4:00 PM – Snack and screen time
Set limits and use screen time as a reward or wind-down.
5:30 PM – Dinner
Talk about the day and model good conversation by asking questions, making comments and showing interest. No phones!
7:00 PM – Bath, books and bedtime routine
A consistent bedtime routine improves sleep and prepares for the next day. Plus, the added bonus of reading together promotes bonding and a love of literacy.
12:00 PM – Lunch
Encourage independence with setting plates and using utensils, encourage trying new textures, and model conversation at meals.
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Alliteration Adventures
Linking Sounds to Summer Adventures!
If planning out an entire day seems too overwhelming, consider incorporating daily themes to create consistency. For example, linking the first letter of the day to a theme that you can follow along with all summer is a fun and creative way to incorporate structure with room for novelty. For weekdays, this could look like:
(M)onday = Make Something Monday
- Make crafts
- Make something in the kitchen by baking or cooking together
(T)uesday = Take a Trip Tuesday
- Visit a museum, aquarium or new park together
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(W)ednesday = Water fun
- Go to a pool or splash pad
- Have a water balloon or water gun fight
(Th)ursday = Thinking Thursday
- Engage in activities that stimulate thinking and problem-solving, such as science experiments, board games, or age-appropriate trivia questions (like Brain Quest)
(F)riday = Friendly Friday
- Host a playdate or gather with friends
- Make cards for friends or practice acts of kindness
With this weekly theme, the fun can still differ from week to week and not be stagnant, and it gives kids (and parents) something fresh to look forward to each day!
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Content of this newsletter was written by:
Megan A. Miller, M.S., CCC-SLP
Please contact Megan with any questions or comments at: megan@ctctherapy.com
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