Mumsnet users share tips for keeping children focused during the summer school term with Premier League Primary Stars

[EllieMumsnet]

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The summer school term can feel like a bit of a struggle for both parents and DC; it’s coming to the end of the year, the sunshine is out and a well-deserved break is on the horizon. With that in mind, the Premier League would love you to share your tips and experiences of keeping your DC engaged with learning during the summer term.

Here’s what the Premier League has to say: “We understand that children sometimes need some additional encouragement when it comes to learning, both in the classroom and at home. Our Premier League Primary Stars programme uses the appeal of football to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills. More than 15,000 schools are already using the football-themed teaching resources for maths, English, PE and PSHE lessons but we know that learning doesn’t stop at the school gates. So, to give parents a helping hand we have created activities and an interactive online game designed to extend learning to the home too.”

Watch their video here:

If the weather is nice do you try and get them to complete any homework outside? Perhaps you try giving your DC regular pep talks to keep them motivated? Maybe you have a reward system in place to ensure they stay on track?

However you keep your DC motivated during the summer term, comment on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw, where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

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Homework first, then lots of acivities and fun but also some down time to just relax, imagine and be.

We always take time for reading and spelling each day. With 'tricky' words we have words on post it notes on the fridge and doors, to help with the spelling process. In the car we have times tables singing CD's when we go on summer days out, so they are learning whilst having fun without even knowing it.

I like them t be outside as much as possible after being stuck in all winter so it's small amount of homework then outside to play.

I like to praise my daughter as much as possible, this does encourage her

get them outside off of gadgets

I’m lucky in that my daughter keeps her focus whatever the season. To the point I have to drag her away from homework at times for some downtime

I know it is a cliche but learning can really be fun. If the parent puts enthusiasm, energy and effort into making it fun. Making tasks into games with lots of incentives, I find makes the difference. I use lots of fun apps most being free to download. My son asks many questions that I am unable to answer in ways he can fully understand, and if this is the case I don't leave it there. We will research the answer on you tube, splitting it down into manageable chunks. Always make the time, so they are comfortable with the topic as carrying on without the knowledge, can leave a gap in their understanding and a knock to their confidence.

Setting ground rules and sticking to them right from the start of the school year helps stop we all know what’s expected. Homework is done after half an hour of relaxation when we are home from school and after that the time is theirs. If there is multiple tasks we spread it out during the week.
Having fun at the weekend is essential so we face the week refreshed and ready to go!

Get them outside as much as possible...tea outside, homework outside, games outside.....it will boost their mood, boost their vitamin D and make them feel they are not missing out on summer.

Try and get it done asap so it's out of the way and you can forget about it. I try to explain that once it's done we can have fun and it's not hanging over us.

Homework in the evenings only - the rest of the day is theirs - its the holidays!

Plenty of exercise and healthy food, free play and organised play gives plenty of opportunity to reinforce learning and expand new horizons. Even making some cup cakes or a pizza from scratch can lead to further education eg. where did pizzas originate, shall we try growing some tomatoes etc?

We set some challenges/targets at the start of the holidays that encourage learning but in a fun way that the kids love to get started on. On holiday we also get my eldest to write a journal each day, just a few sentences about what he's done to keep up with writing, spelling and general english.

Make sure you have enough time for them. Make learning fun. Organise interesting, but relevant, trips (interesting museums, ancient museums), and make sure you're interested in them too. Your trying to, and loving to, learn will infect them.

We take the tv out of their bedroom during the summer ... homework gets done as soon as it's issued and outdoor fun cams be done without the telly temptation

homework is to be done first before they get to play. I'll make time to sit with them and help with the tough questions etc.

We use a little summer sticker weekly reward chart x

The school has lots of online course work available. I get my son to devote 30 mins per day in exchange for an activity of his choosing

My eldest son is easy, he is sitting his GCSE'S next year so I have told him for subject he hits his target I will give him £50 each!! My youngest 2 I get them to do their homework straight after school so they can go out and play for the rest of the evening so they automatically go to do it after school. Luckily they all enjoy school!

Homework done soon after getting home then screen time and playing after

We converted a room into a homework/school room and an enjoy room
Just outside the french window the children made their own museum from things collected in the forest laid out on a low bench and labelled which they could see while working. Also made a save the hedgehog box and bird sanctury. We find combining learning with nature keeps children happy and motivated.

When my daughter was younger we would make a daily diary. Just three sentences or so with a picture. It could have been anything from a day out to making loom-band creations or cooking. It kept her reading and spelling ticking over.

I haven' noticed any change in the focus of the kids in Summer Term apart from the last 2 weeks - which is understandable. We still have homework and routines.

playing outside

We make homework fun if we can. Quizzes, flashcards and make up games helps my daughter remember. We get all the homework done in the week so we can relax at the weekends because that is important too.