We feel it is our obligation to prepare you for the likely reaction you will receive from your children once you inform them they will be heading to Swan Learning Center for summer school.
The moment a child hears the phrase “summer school” – eyes widen, jaws drop and fists clench. In most case scenarios, these actions precede a series of emotional accusations that you have ruined summer. Once that period is over, a silent treatment generally ensues.
The good thing is, you can adequately prepare for the conversation before it takes place and arm yourself with talking points that will make our summer program not seem like such a summer downer.
The most important thing to remember for this conversation is to refrain from using the term “summer school.” The truth is, it isn’t summer school at all. Our programs are camps that take place outside of the classroom.
“Great news, you are going to go to summer camp for a few weeks during the summer!”
The benefits of our Academic Summer Camp are obvious. This is a chance to improve the reading, writing and math skills for your child so they do not struggle during the school year. Our camps also increase your child’s chances at exceling beyond other students during the regular academic year.
We understand that children do not necessarily care about these benefits as much as parents do, especially when it comes at the expense of their precious summer free time. That is why it is important for you to express to them why excelling in school is so important.
Does your child have a favorite college sports team? If so, take them to a game and explain to them that those athletes had to succeed in school in order to play. Does your child already have an ambition for a profession when they grow up? Explain to them that all great jobs – from veterinarians to astronauts – require study time during the summer.
It is never too early to begin college tours. By showing your child at an early age the great colleges available to them if they do well in school, they may be more willing to sacrifice some time now.
Our Academic Summer Camps are designed to give your child a strong academic boost in the timeframe of three hours a day for a three-week period. As you explain the summer camp to your child, make sure they understand they will still have plenty of time during the day for their outside activities and that three weeks out of the entire summer is a relatively short period of time.
Finally, try easing the conversation with a promise to reward good behavior. There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling your child they will be allowed a certain privilege if they willingly participate in the summer camps. For instance, a playtime or bedtime extension may be a fair bargain for good summer camp behavior.
Most importantly, do not feel guilty for pushing summer academics on your child. Investing in their future is the best thing you can do. They may not understand that now but they will certainly thank you later.
