As a teacher and SOI Practitioner, summer is a time of relaxation, recreation, and connecting with friends and family.
However, I have found it’s also a time to work on needed foundational learning abilities with students in my school and other schools in our area. Parents have more free time to bring their children to our center, and some parents are looking for ways to keep their children’s minds and bodies engaged in learning.
Juggling sessions around kids’ vacations and other summer activities can be challenging!
We created a Summer Punch Card where parents could buy 16, 12, or 8 sessions. Parents received a discount for buying more sessions for the summer. Each time a student comes to our center, we punch the number and date it so we could keep track of how many sessions they complete.
Another idea to keep students working on motor skills and cognitive training is to host a Summer Camp. Last year, our camp was very successful and we are looking forward to our July camp next month!
Our camp is from 9 am to 12 pm Monday through Friday for 3 weeks. We group students in small groups of 4-5 students according to age and ability. The students do rotations with special activities designed to improve physical and mental skills. Of course the prize is popsicles at the end! Our parents report that their kids are ready for bed early every evening after the workout they receive!
Here is a sample schedule:
9:00-9:45 Brain Boosters – movement training which integrates both sides of the brain and builds neural pathways; mini tramp, balance board, bean bag toss exercises, and Space Walk outdoor course will be used.
9:45-10:30 Memory Boosters – Hear and Remember (auditory memory) Memory Matrix software, Structure of Intellect Memory program. (Memory Kit)
10:30-10:40 Snack Break
10:40-11:10 Math Mind Play – We’ll use physical and mental games to build
math concepts. ( manipulatives, math software, math games)
11:10-11:40 Reading Detective – Unlock the secret code to reading using decoding games, comprehension puzzles, and word games.
11:40-12:00 Handwriting Hustle – students work on fluency and letter formation with both manuscript and cursive.
written by: Pam Jarvis
Pam is an SOI Practitioner and the founder and Director of Shady Oak Learning, a private K-8th grade school and learning center in Fort Worth, Texas.
