Summer (Non)Schedule

Summertime evokes fond memories of going to the beach when I was growing up on Long Island, New York. Compared to the rest of the year, it’s a great time to kick back and relax. However, young children (and parents) thrive with some structure. I read a blog recently by Keri Snyder called “3 Key Summer Rhythms.” (See link below.) Keri had some great ideas, and I wanted to build on that specifically for parents of preschoolers.

When I was a preschool teacher at HeadStart, we had a well-rounded routine starting with breakfast, free play inside, free play outside, small/large group circle time, snack, and lunch. Kids learned important skills during the day like painting and cutting (small motor activities) and climbing and swinging (large motor activities). Children learned to listen and sit still during group time while I read books and taught concepts. Some children loved dramatic play, dressing up and roll-playing. Others loved matching games and sorting shapes. Child’s “play” is their work. They learn valuable social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

While you don’t need to keep this preschool structure in your daily routine, it’s helpful to keep it in mind. Have a well-rounded, but flexible routine with lots of different activities to keep your children engaged, active, and ready for rest when it’s naptime or bedtime. Incorporate some of these components into your day. It’s something to start with to make your own.

Summer Mornings

· Breakfast: Most days, keep it simple, cereal, yogurt, toast and nut butter. We enjoy a cooked breakfast of pancakes, eggs, or French toast one day/week.

· Outside (large motor skills): It’s great to be outside in the morning before it gets too hot. Go for a walk, to the park, or simply play in the backyard. Bring a ball to bounce or other outside toy.

· Snack time: Mid-morning is a good time for snacks, fruit or juice. It’s fun to take snacks and drinks to the park and eat there or have a backyard picnic.

· Inside (small motor skills): When you return, set out crayons, scissors, glue, stickers, paper, etc. to create a picture and/or puzzles, sorting toys blocks, dolls, and trucks.

· Dramatic play: Set out the dress-up box with costumes, hats, and props or puppets.

· Cleanup time: Be sure to include a cleanup time in your routine to put away the toys your children have played with in the morning. We always sang the “Helper” song: [name of child] is a helper, a helper, a helper! [name of child] is a helper he/she puts away the blocks [or whatever he/she is putting away].

Summer Afternoons

· Lunch/nap or quiet time: After lunch, read a book, sing a song, and have a nap time or “quiet time.” Children need the rest (maybe you do, too!) and you need the time to recharge and/or be productive.

· Snack time: Plan a mid-afternoon snack. Summer is the perfect for popsicles, ice cream, or slushies.

· Outings: A trip to the pool, the store, or a play date—doesn’t have to be in the afternoon--whatever time of day works best for you.

· Music time: Kids love to hear and move to music. You can find songs online. Say or sing nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and action rhymes. Plan music time several times/week.

· TV/screen time: While it’s best to limit screen time, watching in the late afternoon/early evening helps so you can make supper.

Summer Evenings

· Supper/bathtime: After supper, bathtime, bedtime routine with books, singing, snuggling, and prayers.

While each day will be a little different, my hope for you is these suggestions will help your child (and you!) enjoy the sunny, summer months!

Amy Houts is the author of 100+ books for children. She writes for both faith-based and general market publishers. Amy’s faith-based books include bath books, Noah’s Ark and The Creation (Sunbeam/Bushel & Peck Books), God’s Earth is Something to Fight For (Sunbeam/Bushel & Peck Books), and God’s Protection Covers Me (Beaming Books). Amy’s educational books include 60 retold tales for the series, Compass Children’s Classics. Her 10 nonfiction science early readers were published by Highlights. To find out more, visit her website.

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Read Keri Snyder’s blog post, “3 Key Summer Rhythms,” here.