Hey CDA Family! Although I haven't seen you guys in a while, I've been thinking of you and hoping you are having a great summer! Kids, I encourage you to take it easy this month to build up stamina for another full year of academic challenges ahead! This doesn't mean "do nothing" mentality. Balance in some learning time before rewarding some electronic time.

Taking Ownership of Your Learning

As we age, we are less likely to have someone else make this decision for us; however, it is up to each of us to make good decisions based on our own judgement. For example, I always tell my children that if they take the time to study first (academically), they will feel very proud of their efforts and accomplishment, followed by rewarding themselves with some kind of electronic device. Delaying gratification until you reach your goal is a powerful and positive idea in the development of confident, responsible, and successful adults.

Think about it-when you finish a challenging math problem or complete a chapter in your summer reading before jumping into video games or scrolling through social media, there's this sense of pride that comes with it. You're not just passing time; you're investing in yourself. This mindset is something I emphasize in my personalized homeschool coaching sessions because it applies whether you're in traditional school, homeschooling, or somewhere in between.

Creating a Sustainable Summer Learning Routine

So how much learning in the summer? I have my kids do about 1 hour to 1.5 hours of education every day. This is approximately 3, 30-minute blocks dedicated to 1. Handwriting, 2. Reading, and 3. Math. I usually break them up as one before breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This approach keeps learning manageable and prevents burnout. You're not sitting for three hours straight-you're breaking it into bite-sized pieces that fit naturally into your day. It's the same philosophy I use in my private tutoring service in Chicago and when working with students across the country through my private tutoring service in USA. Small, consistent efforts compound over time into significant progress.

Younger students as well as beginning homeschoolers can benefit from this daily schedule because it provides a routine without the feeling of being overwhelmed. Additionally, for older students in the process of preparing to take higher level courses in advance, these routines can be viewed as an opportunity to preview forthcoming subjects or reinforce fundamental academic competencies. It is the strength of individualized education that it tailors itself to the individual student and their needs.

The Power of Getting Ahead

If you have any questions or would like to talk to me about anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. In addition, I have limited availability for private tutoring and Life Coaching this month. I encourage you all to consider joining my Summer Program part two, which will start on the week of July 26th. It will help you get ready to go back to school! Part Two focuses more on helping you prepare for your upcoming classes than Part One does.

Getting ahead doesn't mean you're going to be bored in class come September. It means you'll walk into that classroom with confidence instead of anxiety. When the teacher introduces a new concept, you'll think, "Oh, I've seen this before," rather than feeling completely lost. That confidence transforms your entire learning experience.

Through personalized homeschool coaching, I've watched students go from dreading certain subjects to actually enjoying them-all because they had the chance to preview and practice at their own pace during the summer. Whether you're tackling Algebra 2, working through geometry proofs, or building reading comprehension skills, having that head start makes all the difference.

Working Smarter, Not Harder

Keep in mind that working intelligently instead of just harder generally will relieve much of your stress and increase your confidence and performance. Also, this applies not just to school; this applies to everything in your life. When you plan ahead, you are in a better place to take control of your life. If you wait until the end, then there is too much stress for you to handle.

Throughout my experience working with students through my private tutoring service in Chicago and through remote tutoring throughout the USA, I have seen that students who put in a little time each week to maintain their skills during their summer vacation will enter their school year in much better shape than those who have not. The latter students will have to hustle to remember what they learned in the previous year and to start to learn new material.

Making the Most of Your Summer

Summer shouldn't be all work and no play-that's not sustainable or healthy. But it also shouldn't be a complete academic shutdown. Finding that balance is key. Mix in outdoor activities, time with friends, family vacations, and yes, some well-earned screen time. Just make sure you're also feeding your mind with learning that will serve you well when school starts again.

If you're feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure where to start, that's exactly what tutoring and coaching are for. Sometimes you just need someone to help you create a plan, hold you accountable, and remind you of what you're capable of achieving.

Final Thoughts

Hey friends! Wishing you all a safe and productive summer! Use your daily opportunities to develop yourself and achieve your goals! There are many things you can do over the summer, such as doing math problems (30 minutes per day), reading a book or two, and improving your handwriting; each choice you make this summer will help build your pathway to success in the future.

You've got this, and I'm here cheering you on every step of the way. Let's make this summer count!

Tika