Using Summer Wisely Can Also Be Fun
By: Laura Hackimer, PhD
Summertime belongs to children—it offers freedom from the routines of regular life, most notably school, and provides ample time for pursuing interests, hobbies, relaxation, and socialization. It creates the necessary space for kids to grow and return to the new school year in September as more mature individuals than when they left in June. Many adults hold cherished memories of their own childhood summers, spent wandering and exploring their expanding world.
However, in today's competitive and demanding educational environment, summer can evoke anxiety for parents. As summer approaches, some parents worry that their child might miss out on academic enrichment opportunities. Others strive to combat the dreaded "summer slide," a perceived loss of knowledge during the extended break. Consequently, summer plans may revolve around tutoring, courses, advancement programs, or other activities that provide academic advantages.
While it is helpful for children to have opportunities to support and continue their academic learning during the summer, it is also important to recognize the ways in which informal learning and unstructured time benefit children's development and, consequently, their success in school. There is great value in another experience that falls within the realm of children's domain: free play.
For our purposes, "free play" refers to play that is child-directed and occurs during unscheduled, independent, non-screen time. While adults can participate in free play, they should not lead it or stay involved for too long. Think back to your own summers spent playing games outside with other kids on your block or creating elaborate stories with toys on your living room floor. These memories may evoke nostalgia while also rekindling a sense of independent exploration and navigation of your world. That is precisely the benefit of these types of activities; they provide children with the opportunity to be autonomous, explore their interests, be active and creative, and feel confident.
Play is not unique to humans; it is a feature of many mammals' experiences, both in their youth and as adults. This is because through play, we can learn new skills, strengthen social bonds, improve motor skills, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive abilities. Moreover, play is simply fun! Consider any activity that you regularly enjoy. It could be a regular tennis game, a weekly book club, a poker night, or even a daily painting session. Engaging in these activities likely brings you pleasure for various reasons that align with how play feels for children.
Furthermore, play contributes profoundly during a crucial time in children's development. It reduces anxiety, stress, and irritability while also providing space for children to better understand and process their experiences. It helps them learn how to face challenges and navigate uncertainty. Play enhances creativity and problem-solving abilities, fosters independence, and promotes tolerance for boredom. Additionally, it improves language and social skills. Play is instrumental in developing self-regulation, as successful cooperative play necessitates impulse control and adherence to rules. It also benefits executive functioning, as play engages working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and planning skills.
At first glance, a summer of play may seem less academically relevant than a summer spent enrolled in an advanced math course; however, it still plays a significant role in a child’s readiness to tackle more challenging math when September arrives. A child who has developed their self-regulation, executive functioning, confidence, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving skills through ample time spent in self-directed play will be well-prepared to absorb new information and take the necessary risks to engage in learning. Although play extends beyond the summer, it's important to seize the opportunity provided by the extra time and appreciate how these soon-to-be nostalgic summer memories are equipping your child with numerous skills that will contribute to their success in school and in life.
References:
https://www.epl.ca/blogs/post/importance-of-play-for-kids/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885200621001411
Other reading/resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnH4Ijen7OI - information on overall benefits of play
https://bonnieterrylearning.com/blog/activities-improve-executive-function-skills/
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/simple-games-that-teach-your-kid-self-regulation/
https://www.understood.org/articles/en/8-working-memory-boosters
