EDUCATION | SUMMER LEARNING | WORDWEAVERDESIGN.COM
Summer learning builds organization and time management skills with support
Online learning and in-person summer enrichment courses offer opportunities for students to create their own pathways for growth in communication. Learners develop lifelong executive function skills. And summer learning encourages self-direction. Students understand the value of time and the benefits of Google Calendar when planning for assignments and making time for summer activities. During the summer break, students can build upon their executive function skills without the stress of school-year deadlines and demands of extracurricular activities.
Encouraging self-directed learning and accountability
Students can choose from online and in-person course providers that offer a range of unique programming that captures students’ interests. Learning modes can be in-person or interactive. Summer learning allows students dedicated periods to explore personal passions, but it also allows them to develop a greater understanding of their own abilities and be exposed to different ways of learning. Online and interactive, audio and visual learning options, and engagement with mentors, tutors, and parent learning coaches offer avenues for growth.
Importance of caregiver engagement and summer learning
How does a parent, mentor, or caregiver assist students during summer learning? Each student has a particular learning style and executive function skills. A key to successful summer learning is a parent or mentor serving as a learning coach. In this role, an adult works with a student in developing an assignment calendar with notifications. Ideally, the mentor assesses and adjusts the level of daily monitoring as needed and reviews instructional content ahead of time to gauge the supervision level needed for success. It helps when the mentor monitors work completion and grades on a daily basis to ensure the student is staying on track with goals.
Beyond summer learning. Encouraging literacy each day.
Consistency is key to building a love of learning and literacy. Blocking out a consistent time of 60 to 90 minutes each day on a family online calendar and encouraging family members to find a quiet spot and read is a great way to improve fluency. Naperville and the surrounding suburbs are home to ten fabulous libraries that offer great spaces to read and connect with a variety of literature and media. Residents can apply for reciprocity and check out a huge range of materials like vinyl records and cookbooks. Signing up for summer reading programs and bringing a dedicated bag for books on the go make a trip to the local library worthwhile. Books offer tactile and portable fun for families on the move. No Wi-Fi or charging cables needed.
SUMMER ONLINE LEARNING COURSES & RESOURCES
Website and online school communities offer flexible learning pathways across a range of subject areas. These providers offer flexibility in terms of start dates, schedules, and adaptability based on learner needs.
IXL. The website powerhouse is a one-stop online resource with exercises and skill plans for students at every grade level. The site includes thousands of videos and interactive lessons. IXL offers a fantastic interface where students and caregivers can sit side by side and work together. Check out the Skills Plan section for a range of ideas. https://www.ixl.com/ela
IXL AND CARSON DELLOSA SPECTRUM WORKBOOKS. The online resource and workbook publisher offer workbooks for each grade level and skill set. Subjects include social studies, language arts, math, reading, and scientific subjects for preschool through middle school | junior high grades. Spectrum workbooks are a great option for families seeking tactile learning with online reinforcement. https://www.carsondellosa.com/brands/spectrum/
APEX LEARNING. The accredited online school offers more than 30 junior high and high school offerings, ranging from AP courses to media literacy. Course syllabi are online with course information on the Apex Learning website. Apex course design is framed in a modular, manageable workload format that is self-paced. https://www.apexlearningvs.com/
PEARSON ONLINE ACADEMY. The educational publishing and standardized testing provider offers summer programming. Pearson has more than 20 years of experience delivering education online. Technology and interactivity play a role in keeping learners engaged and challenged. Flexible enrollment dates are offered. https://www.pearsononlineacademy.com/
CHICAGO AREA IN-PERSON & ONLINE SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPTIONS
NORTHWESTERN CENTER FOR TALENT DEVELOPMENT. The program offers accelerated summer learning courses for students seeking challenging curricula. Both in-person and online instruction are offered. Journalism, Debate, Latin, and Podcasting are among the many summer language arts courses. If a student wants to engage with motivated and like-minded learners, Northwestern CTD is the top destination for summer enrichment. https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid?sort=alpha
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE. COD Youth Academy Summer programming offers affordable courses that help junior high students build a strong foundation for high school coursework. Courses like Speech and Debate, Global Economics, Environmental Science, and Essay Writing. High school courses include hands-on opportunities that offer students opportunities to explore career pathways in technology, media, finance, health care, and design. https://cod.edu/academics/continuing-education/youth-academy/index.html
ILLINOIS VIRTUAL SCHOOLS & ACADEMY. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, IVSA offers a range of courses for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Courses begin in early June, and IVSA does not offer multiple summer start dates. The provider does offer courses throughout the school year as well. Traditional subjects and elective courses are offered. https://ivsaschool.org/
© CONTENT, DESIGN & IMAGES BY MELISSA NAGY DEEGAN. ADDITIONAL IMAGES: ADOBE STOCK, MICROSOFT & SOURCE WEBSITES.
RESEARCH | CONTENT
| SUBJECT-MATTER INTERVIEWING |
| Website, blogs & e-news content |
| Editorial calendar development |
| Social media content & MANAGEMENT |
| Census & demographic data research |
| Economic & financial data research |
| FOIA research & inquiry |
DESIGN | DATA
| Bar, fever, pie, column & line charts |
| Data analysis & Pivot Tables |
| TIMELINES, FLOW CHARTS & MAPPING |
| POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS |
| BRANDING, CORPORATE IDENTITY & SIGNS |
| NEWSLETTERS, PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS |
EDUCATION | CAREER
| College admission research & spreadsheets |
| Common Data Set (CDS) research |
| HOUSING, TRANSIT & MERIT AID RESEARCH |
| College essay & scholarship coaching |
| Internship & early career search |
| Vocational & trade apprenticeship search |
| JUNIOR HIGH | HIGH SCHOOL GRAMMAR & ESSAYS |
PORTFOLIO | PROPOSALS
Due to copyright restrictions and the range of available portfolio samples, please share your communications needs via the inquiry form for portfolio access. We are happy to share samples, ideas, and offer a one-page project proposal.
MEETINGS
We meet with prospective clients in the western suburbs of Chicago, the Loop, and throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. For remote meetings with national and international clients who reside outside the Chicago area, we can utilize Teams, Discord, and Zoom for screen sharing.
Thank you for your interest. Affordable and approachable ideas make great storytelling accessible. Please submit your contact information and a brief description of your needs using the contact form on the About page. Use this form to receive a one-page project proposal and request access to spreadsheet templates for college & early career services. Portfolio access is also granted via the contact form.