Summer doesn’t have to mean a break from growth—in fact, it can be the perfect opportunity to help your child stay on track both academically and emotionally. With routines loosened and schedules more flexible, summer can become a launching pad for a smoother, more confident transition into fall.
Download this free printable kit to follow along!
Here are 10 powerful summer habits that help elementary-aged children stay school-ready:
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Keep a Consistent Daily Routine – Kids thrive on predictability. Keep a relaxed but reliable schedule that includes wake-up times, meals, screen time, outdoor play, and bedtime.
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Make Reading a Daily Event – Reading for 15-20 minutes daily helps maintain fluency and comprehension. Let kids choose fun books that reflect their interests.
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Incorporate Real-Life Math – Grocery shopping, baking, or planning trips can naturally include addition, subtraction, fractions, and budgeting.
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Designate Brain Time – Carve out 20-30 minutes a day for educational play, like journaling, puzzles, or educational games.
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Encourage Creative Projects – Let kids pursue passion projects like building, crafting, or storytelling to foster problem-solving and confidence.
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Assign Small Responsibilities – Age-appropriate chores teach responsibility and autonomy, skills they’ll need in school.
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Limit Passive Screen Time – Set healthy boundaries on screen use and prioritize interactive, educational content.
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Plan for Social Connection – Camps, playdates, and group events build communication and emotional regulation.
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Practice Emotional Check-Ins – Help children name and navigate their feelings, especially as fall approaches.
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Reintroduce School-Year Routines Early – Begin adjusting sleep and morning habits a couple of weeks before school starts.
Why it Matters: Children who maintain light structure and cognitive stimulation over summer tend to return to school more confident, engaged, and ready to connect. These habits echo what we celebrate in The Sandwich Way — embracing every child’s unique journey with simple, daily actions.
Take Action: Learn The Sandwich Way Make summer a time of meaningful growth with The Sandwich Way, a joyful picture book that teaches kids that being different is exactly what makes us special. Invite the author to your school, library, or event for an engaging read-aloud and Q&A. Request an Author Visit!
📥 Download Our Free Summer Routine & Reflection Kit!
🌞 Summer is the perfect time to build habits that stick.
🥪 With The Sandwich Way as your guide, help your child:
✅ Create a calm, balanced daily routine
✅ Track learning and emotional check-ins
✅ Reflect on feelings with simple journal prompts
✅ Make the transition back to school smooth and confident
👉 Click below to download your FREE printable kit!
🎁 Includes:
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Summer Daily Routine Planner
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Brain Time Activity Tracker
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Emotional Check-In Chart
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“My Summer Way” Journal Page
Download the Kit Now →
(No email required. Just a gift from The Sandwich Way to your family!)
