Summer in Session: How to Balance Learning with Fun for Gifted Students on Summer Break
It’s that time of year where our minds go to everyone’s favorite Alice Cooper Music lyric: “School’s out for Summer!” As the children say goodbye to their teachers and friends and swap math class for sunny days, many are looking forward to a much needed break. At the same time, it is incredibly important for gifted students to stay engaged. Last summer we talked about the importance of Staving off the Summer Slump, where we highlighted the unique ways learning regression over the summer can affect gifted and talented students. This time, we want to talk about how to achieve balance between fun and learning, and maybe ways to make both happen at the same time.
Recap: What’s ‘the summer slump’?
Simply put, the summer slump is where children lose some of the academic and social emotional learning over the break due to long periods outside their structured learning environment. Gifted and talented students are especially affected by this due to their intense drive, curiosity and need for stimulation. The effects of summer slump can hit GT students especially hard the following school year, causing frustration and overwhelm by shifting back into the school routine and feeling behind or less successful than the standards they subconsciously set for themselves over break.
Balancing Rest and Enrichment With GT students Over the Summer
Now, it is important to underscore that breaks are very important as they provide a mental and emotional reset. Gifted and talented students need this to prevent burnout. The question remains: how do we support gifted students in balancing the stimulation they crave with the relaxation and rest they want and need?
- Relaxation and fun drives the routine, with spurts of learning mixed in: GT students will even benefit by just having a routine: making rest or fun the primary driver while keeping a loose schedule. This will help students feel a sense of normalcy and give them space to thrive. Consider getting them on a schedule such as reserving mornings for playtime, with an hour of reading at lunch. Or, make them aware of scheduled events coming up so they can prepare e.g. a trip to the museum or library.
- Immersive events allow for learning that feels like fun: Consider spending days at the zoo, or hands on events at an art or science museum. Children get to experience the excitement of a special trip out of their normal environment, but the environment and activities are packed with opportunities to learn and grow.
- Give them a challenge and act as a partner: Gifted Children often thrive when they have the agency to take charge of their learning. Give them a challenge like learning two new things per week.
- Do it together: Discuss with them why it is important to you that you learn and have fun together. Then, ask the question: “So what do you want to learn about?” This opens up conversation, helps GT children feel supported, and lets them dive into an area of interest. This also builds in a subtle accountability buddy. As the summer goes on, you can check in with each other: what have we learned? What fun have we had?
The Good News: GT Students are Independent Learners By Nature
In comparison to general education students, gifted students thrive in asynchronous learning environments. For some this may mean they will be driven to learn on their own. For others, you give them the space, support and resources, they’ll handle the rest.
If you need help finding ways to help the gifted student in your life balance learning with fun and relaxation this summer, please reach out: we’re here for you. We hope you and your family have an absolutely amazing summer!
