For this episode, we are replaying another episode of Diverse Thinking, Different Learning, this time episode 239, in which we sat down with Ashley Harding to discuss why it's so important to allow students time for rest, rejuvenation, and exploration of their interests outside of academics, especially during the summer months.

As a reminder, Ashley is a fourth-generation educator and is deeply committed to educational equity. She holds degrees from USC and Tufts University in Child Development, and her career spans more than a decade, during which she has supported students and families in private and independent schools and contributed to global education initiatives in South Africa and Belize. Formerly the Director of External Engagement for a national school network, she has co-authored research on disparities affecting Black and Latino males and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal. Through her organization, North Star Academics, and her roles with BEAN and CHADD, Ashley empowers students with evidence-based strategies and advocates for those with learning differences.

With summer right around the corner, this seems like the perfect time to re-air this episode, and Ashley touches upon the fact that even though academic progress remains valuable throughout the school year, summer offers a really important opportunity for students to strengthen their sense of identity, independence, and executive functioning, so, rather than filling the break with demanding academic programs, she encourages parents to instead prioritize experiences that help build confidence, self-awareness, and connection.

Our conversation stresses the importance of families (both parents and students, that is) using the summer to rest, recharge, and reconnect. Ashley recommends a gradual approach, beginning with more unstructured time in June before introducing increasingly intentional activities in July and August, such as exploring upcoming coursework, reinforcing some core skills, and establishing goals for the new school year.

We also explore the value of real-world learning opportunities such as cooking, managing money, and traveling, all of which can reinforce academic skills in meaningful ways while also supporting executive function development. Ashley emphasizes the importance of giving students, especially older ones, the space to pursue their interests and uncover new passions during the summer.

Show Notes:

[3:58] - Ashley stresses that summer should prioritize rest, integration, and well-being after a year of growth.[6:52] - Colleges value students' identities, interests, and independence beyond just academics.[9:08] - Ashley points out how post-pandemic families often need recovery, balance, and time to reset.[11:36] - Ashley explains how growth involves perseverance, reflection, and preparing for new goals and identities.[14:09] - Intensive summer programs can cause burnout, making balance and rest especially important.[15:15] - Rest can help children develop balance, self-awareness, and healthy decision-making skills.[17:58] - Summer creates opportunities for family reconnection, rest, and improving mental health.[19:09] - Parents should model balance and create space for unstructured experiences.[21:47] - Dr. Wilson provides some information about a ChildNEXUS school partner, Frostig School.[23:12] - Ashley touches upon how everyday activities can help reinforce academic skills without pressure or strict expectations.[25:14] - Hear how real-world learning and flexible routines can help maintain engagement and executive functioning.[28:36] - Ashley emphasizes that extra sleep and rest are important, but consistent routines should still remain.[30:19] - Summer offers some valuable opportunities for self-reflection, confidence-building, and personal growth.[32:59] - Independence develops via practicing time management, organization, and learning from mistakes.[35:42] - Dr. Wilson asserts that families can foster confidence by celebrating growth and collaborating on summer plans.[37:43] - Summer helps families discover evolving interests and strengthen belonging via connection.[40:21] - Dr. Wilson highlights summer as a chance to reconnect and better understand children.[42:05] - Beyond a school break, summer can lead to confidence, independence, and personal growth.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 92: Executive Functioning Skills Over the Summer with Michelle Porjes
• Episode 154: Why Self-Efficacy and Self-Advocacy are Important for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding
• Episode 239: Balancing Summer Rest and Learning Support for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding
• Tricia Hersey - Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto
• Frostig School - Website
• More Podcast Episodes

Connect with Us:

• Join Our Substack Community
• Email Dr. Wilson: [email protected]

Connect with Ashley:

• North Star Academics - Website
• North Star Academics - LinkedIn
• North Star Academics - Facebook
• North Star Academics - Instagram
• Phone number: 310-853-3208