Extension Specialist Advises on School to Summer Transition 

May 22, 1998 

Greensboro, NC: On the first day of school, nearly nine months ago, their world was turned upside down. Now, children find themselves in yet another transition period: going from the regimented school day to summer vacation.

"Though children need time off from school, don't be surprised if, after a few days of excitement, your child begins to show signs of having the 'blues,'" said Dr. Shirley Rouse, a 4-H and youth development specialist in North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program.

According to Rouse, a combination of uncertainty of changing routines, friends, and activities may dampen a child's excitement and interest in summer vacation, and, instead of being happy and active, the child may seem sad, tired, or bored.

"Some children, like adults, can make transitions easily with no needed adjustment period," said Rouse. "Other children need time to make transitions and maybe some assistance in recapturing things that were lost during the transition from school to summer vacation."

For parents who have children exhibiting behavioral changes at the beginning of summer vacation, Rouse suggests attempting to identify the child's needs, which are often elements provided in a school atmosphere, such as learning, social interactions, routines and schedules, friends, and active play. Then, reconstruct and encourage participation in those activities.

Because children are already in a learning mode, Rouse suggests that parents stimulate learning by creating an environment in which their child's strong points and successes are highlighted.

Specific suggestions offered by Rouse include:

• Encouraging your child's interests, such as reading, collecting, or sports.
  
• Providing a meaningful educational enrichment environment through visits to the library, museum, and arts center.
  
• Using repetition of facts, music, art, nature, tours, and field trips to provide spontaneous learning.

Socialization is also a large part of the school experience for young children, and Rouse recommends that parents provide socialization by welcoming their child's friends into their home, encouraging friendships with children who have compatible temperaments, and enrolling their child in summer programs.

County Extension 4-H offices are often good sources of information for what special summer programs are available, indicates Rouse.

According to Rouse, school also often involves a higher level of physical activity than is provided at home. To compensate for this, Rouse suggest that parents introduce fitness to their children by being active themselves, and by making fitness a family affair.

"As transitions take place, family becomes more important," says Rouse, who indicates that the age and needs of your children should determine how much assistance parents provide them. "Summer vacation may be a good time to take inventory of your parent-child relationship."

- 30 -

For more information, please contact Dr. Shirley Rouse, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.