𧩠Supporting Learning Differences During Summer Break
By: Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
For children with learning differencesâlike ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or auditory processing challengesâsummer is more than just a break from school. It can be a chance to reset, rebuild confidence, and reinforce key skills without the daily pressures of the classroom. The trick is to strike the right balance between support and relaxation.
đ§ Why Summer Matters for Struggling Learners
Kids who face academic or social challenges during the year may feel drained or discouraged by June. A thoughtfully planned summer can:
Reinforce IEP or 504 goals in a more flexible setting
Provide space to strengthen weak skills without pressure
Help build confidence and motivation for the year ahead
đ ïž How to Support Without Overloading
đïž 1. Choose One or Two Focus Areas
You donât need to âfix everything.â Pick 1â2 goals based on your childâs needs, such as:
Improving reading fluency
Practicing self-regulation strategies
Strengthening fine motor or handwriting skills
Mindful LEP Tip: Focused, short practice sessions (10â20 minutes) a few days a week are often more effective than long daily drills.
đ 2. Reinforce IEP Goals at Home
If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, review the goals and think of ways to support them informally:
If the goal is reading comprehension â read a book together and discuss whatâs happening
For emotional regulation â practice calming techniques or use a feelings chart
For working memory â try memory games, routines, or visual schedules
Optional: Keep a light âsummer journalâ of progress or notesâitâs helpful to bring to teachers in the fall.
đŻ 3. Use Summer Services if Needed
Consider:
ESY (Extended School Year) services for qualifying IEP students
Private tutoring (ask for someone trained in multisensory methods or executive function coaching)
Did you know that Mindful LEP offers individualized executive functioning coaching with a mini EF assessment to identify executive functioning strength and weaknesses? Call us at (408) 797-5597 for more information!
Educational therapy or social skills groups tailored to neurodiverse learners
Mindful LEP also offers support for social skills and is neurodiversity affirming! We can also help connect you to the talented Occupational Therapist or Speech/Language Pathologist whose office we rent from. They have weekly groups that target these skills!
If cost is a concern, check with your district or local nonprofit organizations for free or low-cost programs.
𧩠4. Support Emotional & Social Growth
Academic work is importantâbut so is emotional development:
Practice social interactions through playdates or community activities
Model and role-play self-advocacy (e.g., asking for help)
Celebrate small wins to build confidence
* * * Mindful LEP provides play and art based therapy in person in Campbell, CA and virtually throughout California! We can also help connect to a qualified professional in your area if we canât help. We have access to a large network of other professionals all over CA! Get a free consultation by calling (408) 797-5597
đ± Progress, Not Perfection
Every childâs summer path is different. The goal isnât to match grade-level benchmarksâitâs to make meaningful growth in ways that support your childâs learning style, emotional needs, and self-esteem.
Coming Next Week: âBack-to-School Ready: Using Summer to Ease Transitions and Anxietyâ
Have questions about your childâs learning needs over the summer? Please feel free to contact me directlyâIâm here to help!
Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
