Structuring Your Summer

Create a summer routine that's both fun and productive, without overwhelming your burnt-out student.

Summer brings welcome freedom from school pressures, but for students with learning differences, too much unstructured time can be challenging. A balanced summer routine provides the consistency needed to thrive while allowing for fun and relaxation.

Why Structure Matters

Our brains thrive on predictable patterns and clear expectations. This can be especially true for individuals with processing skills challenges. Without the built-in structure of school, they may experience increased anxiety or changes in mood and behavior. This can also lead to difficulty transitioning back to school in the fall.

A thoughtful routine can:

• Reduce anxiety about "what happens next"

• Support executive functioning development

• Maintain academic progress and avoid the “summer slide”

• Provide security through predictability

• Balance necessary downtime with productive activities

Including Your Child in Summer Planning

Creating a routine with your student, not for them. When kids have a voice in their summer plans, everything changes. Here's your guide to including your student in the process, by age.

For Younger Students (Ages 5-8): Start with simple choices that feel empowering. Sit down together and ask questions like: "What makes you feel happy in the morning?" or "What would make our days more fun?" Let them draw or choose from picture options for different activities. Even choosing between two breakfast options or deciding whether to do reading time inside or outside gives them ownership.



Try creating a "Summer Wishes" poster together. Have them draw or tell you about three things they want to do this summer, then work together to figure out how to make those happen within your family's routine.

For Elementary Students (Ages 9-11): These kids can handle more complex planning conversations. Show them a blank weekly calendar and ask them to help you fill it in. They might surprise you with their practical suggestions! Let them choose which days work best for certain activities, or ask them to problem-solve challenges like "How can we fit in pool time and still have quiet time?"

Consider giving them a "planning budget"—maybe they get to choose 3-4 special activities for the week, with the understanding that the rest of the schedule includes necessary things like chores and learning time.

For Middle and High School Students (Ages 12+): Older students can be true partners in this process. Have them research summer activities in your area, create their own schedules, and present their ideas to you. They might even enjoy using apps or online calendars to organize their thoughts.

Ask them to think about their goals: "What do you want to feel proud of when school starts again?" or "What would make this summer feel successful to you?" Then work backward from there to create a routine that supports those goals.

For Students with Cognitive Differences: Every student can participate in planning. When needed, use visual supports, simple either/or choices, and observe their natural preferences. Notice when they seem happiest and most regulated, then build the routine around those successful moments.

Creating Your Summer Framework

Think of this as building a flexible container rather than a rigid box. Here's how to approach it:

Visual Schedules That Work

Work together to create a daily or weekly schedule using pictures or text. For younger kids, print photos of different activities and let them help arrange the schedule. Older kids might enjoy designing their own visual organizers by hand or on the computer.

Sample visual schedule for older students.

Sample visual schedule for younger students.

Post the schedule where it will naturally be seen often. Even if they build their schedule on the computer, print it out. Keeping the schedule posted will make it more concrete and reduce cognitive load.

Structured Flexibility

Rather than rigid hourly schedules, consider creating a framework with built-in flexibility.

Time Blocking: Divide days into morning, afternoon, and evening blocks with general expectations for each block rather than strict timing.

The Power of Choice Boards: Instead of you deciding what "free time" looks like, create a menu of pre-approved activities together. Let your student help categorize them: active play, quiet activities, creative pursuits, learning games. When they choose from options they helped create, cooperation increases dramatically.

Flexible Fridays: Here's where your student's input becomes gold. Ask them: "What would make Fridays feel special and different?" Maybe they want pajama day, friend time, or an adventure day. Let them own this decision.

Make Routine Elements Feel Special

Transform necessary routine elements into summer highlights:

Reading time: Create special "reading nooks" outdoors under trees or build blanket forts specifically for summer reading

Learning activities: Move them outside to a picnic blanket, community pool, or local park

Morning meetings: Hold family "meetings" over breakfast picnics to discuss the day's plan

Chores: Turn responsibilities into "challenge mode" with timers, music, and small rewards

Learning That Doesn't Feel Like School

Summer offers unique opportunities to strengthen cognitive skills through activities that feel like pure fun. The trick is choosing activities that match your student's interests and involvement level:



Memory Games:

• Scavenger hunt with progressive clues

• Card matching games (traditional or create custom cards featuring interests)

• "I'm going on a picnic" verbal memory chain game

• Cooking simple recipes from memory

Processing Speed Activities:

• Timed obstacle courses (compare personal best times)

• Quick-response games like Simon Says or musical chairs

• "Beat the timer" challenges customized to interests

• Simplified versions of games like Spot It or Blink

Visual Processing Enhancement:

• Pattern block designs and puzzles

• Nature "I Spy" with specific visual attributes

• Creating and following treasure maps

• Sorting activities based on visual characteristics

Auditory Processing Development:

• Following multi-step verbal directions for craft projects

• Audio stories with comprehension questions

• Creating sound patterns for others to repeat

• Sound scavenger hunts (identifying environmental sounds)

Executive Function Boosters:

• Planning and executing a simple lemonade stand

• Creating a mini-garden requiring ongoing care

• Planning a family game night from start to finish

• Developing a simple budget for a special purchase

Reading Without "Reading":

• Creating comic strips about summer adventures

• Audio books paired with the text version

• Writing and performing simple plays

Math Through Daily Life:

• Cooking with measurement conversions

• Building projects requiring measurement

• Creating store scenarios with real or play money

• Tracking daily temperatures or rainfall on graphs

Moving Forward Together

Creating a summer routine that works for your family doesn't have to feel overwhelming. The key is starting with their interests and building flexibility into your structure. Remember, the best routine is one that brings joy and less stress to your family's summer days.

Every child's needs are unique, and sometimes it helps to have personalized support as you navigate these decisions. If you'd like guidance tailoring these strategies to your child's specific processing skills and executive function needs, I'm here to help.

Ready to create a summer plan that truly works for your family? Schedule a consultation call with me to discuss your child's strengths, challenges, and goals. Together, we can develop strategies that will help them head back to school with confidence.