What Your Teacher Really Wants You to Know as Summer Break Rolls In

Ah, summer break—a time when pencils down means popsicles up, and school halls give way to the siren calls of sunny park days. But before you leap into that beach-mode mentality, let’s chat. Yes, we teachers have a few things on our minds that we’d love for you to know as we swap classroom quizzes for summer quizzes like, "Who needs more sunscreen?"

1. Routine is Your Unexpected Summer BFF

While spontaneity is the soul of summer, a predictable routine can be the guardian angel for your neurodivergent child. A touch of structure amidst the freedom helps manage expectations and eases anxiety. It doesn’t have to be rigid—think of it more like the gentle rhythm of a summer song that guides your days.

2. Every Day Can Be a Learning Day (But Don't Worry, We Won't Tell the Kids!)

Learning doesn’t need to pause because the school bell has stopped ringing. But here’s the secret: disguise it! Reading a menu at the ice cream stand, counting seashells on the shore, or measuring ingredients for lemonade can all be lessons that don’t feel like lessons. Sneaky, right?

3. Downtime is Divine

Yes, camps and activities are great, but never underestimate the power of downtime. Unstructured play fuels creativity and gives your child the space to process the sensory and social stimuli of the day. Plus, it’s in these quiet moments that magic often happens.

4. Social Skills in Summer Style

Social opportunities don’t need to take a vacation. Summer offers a unique playground for practicing interactions in less formal settings. Think playdates at the park, team sports, or just a casual chat with other ice-cream buyers. It’s the perfect setting to practice those turn-taking skills without the pressure.

5. Celebrate the Wins, No Matter the Size

Caught your child sharing their toys today? Or maybe they finally faced the splash pad after being hesitant all of last summer? These are big wins! Celebrate these moments. Every victory, no matter how small it might seem, is building their confidence and skills.

6. We’re Here for You (Yes, Even Over Summer)

Just because the school doors close, doesn’t mean we vanish into the summer breeze. If you need tips, resources, or just someone to celebrate a summer success with, reach out. Teachers are like gardeners; we love to hear how our plants are doing, even when we’re not the ones watering them daily.

7. Lastly, Have Fun—Yes, We Mean You Too!

Summer is a wonderful time to make memories as a family. So while you’re helping your child grow, don’t forget to laugh, explore, and maybe even relax a little yourself. Remember, a happy, relaxed parent makes for a happier, relaxed child.

So there you have it—your unofficial summer syllabus. Let’s make it a break filled with growth, discovery, and maybe a few extra scoops of ice cream. We'll be excited to hear all about it when the school bells ring again. Have a fantastic summer, everyone!