IN Mt. Lebanon Spring 2017 | Page 61

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
PREVENTING SUMMER LEARNING LOSSES
The Goddard School® located in Upper Saint Clair stresses the importance of maintaining daily structure and learning during “carefree” summer months
A
s the school year comes to a close, it is only natural for kids to
look forward to the leisurely nature of the summer season. The
arrival of beach trips, pool parties and sleepovers, however,
doesn’t mean that children should depart completely from their
daily routine. Keeping particular elements of a child’s day consistent
throughout the summer months keeps the brain focused and helps
prevent learning losses during the summer. In addition, this can
potentially ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into
a new classroom or school come fall.
According to research conducted by the National Center for
Summer Learning, which is based at the Johns Hopkins School of
Education in Baltimore, Maryland, summer learning loss accounts
for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student
pursuing a college preparatory path in high school. As these findings
indicate, keeping children’s brains challenged throughout the
summer is crucial, since the lack of learning that occurs during these
months has both short-term and long-term consequences.
“Routine provides structure, which is often lacking during the
summer months when children all too quickly become detached
from the lessons they learned throughout the school year,” said Bob
and Lori Santo owners of The Goddard School located in Upper Saint
Clair. “Maintai ning a schedule throughout the summer supports an
environment that is less of a contrast to the classroom and provides a
healthy balance between building skills, play and rest.”
According to the Santos, families can incorporate the following
habits into their child’s day to encourage and maintain a routine
YOUR
CHILD
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START.
NOW ENROLLING
>
ALL AGES, INCLUDING
KINDERGARTEN!
Tour your local
Goddard School
and experience
why it’s the best
preparation
for social and
academic success.
PETERS TOWNSHIP
(VENETIA)
724-941-6464
PITTSBURGH
(UPPER SAINT
CLAIR)
412-564-3600
GoddardSchool.com
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc.
Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2016
throughout the summer season:
• Early to bed, early to rise: To the best extent possible, children
should adhere to a regular bedtime each night and wake up at the
same time each day. This will not only ensure proper rest but will
establish a sense of discipline as well.
• Clean up and get dressed: Upon waking up, it is important that
children brush their teeth, get dressed and perform any other
hygienic tasks that they normally would before a school day.
Allowing kids to stay in pajamas or dirty clothes longer than
necessary can result in lazy behavior.
• Make eating an event: Keeping a child on a consistent meal
schedule is critical to maintaining a sharp body and mind. Establish
specific times for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sit with children at
the table to encourage conversation while eating.
• Take a rest: If a child partakes in a scheduled nap time while at
school, then he or she should be allotted time at home for regular
rest as well. Make this time consistent, perhaps after lunch, and have
the child rest in the same place everyday.
• Perform daily chores: Asking a child to help around the house is an
ideal way to get them involved in a daily routine. A morning chore
and an afternoon chore can convey a sense of responsibility and
supply a sense of rhythm to the day.
“In addition to providing consistency, routines can present children
with security and comfort as they adjust to the changes that come
along with their new summer schedules,” said Bob and Lori Santo.
“The purpose is not to create rigidity but to provide a flexible
structure that establishes a sense of purpose kids need to grow and
mature.”
The Goddard School located in Upper Saint Clair offers a year-
round program for children from six weeks to six-years-old. Children
are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a warm environment
supported by a team of dedicated teachers. The Goddard School
FLEX Learning Program™ is based on a unique learning continuum
that encompasses developmental guidelines, formative assessments
and child-focused lesson plans that are delivered in a creative and
fun environment with a child-centered approach to meet each child’s
individual needs.
For more information on why The Goddard School located in Upper
Saint Clair is the place for fun and learning, please contact Bob or Lori
Santo at 412.564.3600.
About The Goddard School
The Goddard School (www.goddardschools.com) is a nationwide
franchise of Goddard Systems, Inc. headquartered in King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania. With over 330 franchised schools nationwide and
42,000 children enrolled, Goddard is the fastest growing preschool in
the United States. Goddard was recently recognized by Entrepreneur
magazine as the “#1 Childcare Franchise” for the eighth consecutive
year (January 2009) and Franchise Times magazine as one of the
Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales) for the second
consecutive year (October 2008).
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo.
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®,
located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township
and 655 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair, 412.564.3600.
Goddard offers both full- and part-time infant/preschool/
kindergarten programs. For more information, visit
www.goddardschools.com or call 724.941.6464.
Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2017 | icmags.com 59