Avoid “Summer Slide”

There’s a big push nationally to rethink how children spend their summer vacations.   The effort to keep kids learning during summer is based on an effort to avoid the summer slide:

•    Most students fall more than two months behind in math over the summer.
•    Teachers spend four to six weeks in the fall re-teaching forgotten material.
•    Their counterparts, in China, India, Sweden, for sure, are not taking 3 months off from school

“Parents always say summer is the hardest time to make sure their kids have productive things to do,” says Fairchild. “Summer should be fun and memorable, but parents shouldn’t let it be a break from learning. High-quality summer learning opportunities are fun and engaging for kids, while keeping them healthy, safe and on track in school.”

SUMMER LEARNING TIPS:
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO KEEP KIDS SHARP OVER THE SUMMER

•    Locate a summer program. High-quality summer camps and math programs exist in almost every price range.  Camps offered by schools, recreation centers, universities, and community-based organizations often have an educational or enrichment focus.

•    Visit the library. Find out what interests your child and select books on that subject. Participate in free library summer programs and make time to read every day.

•    Take educational trips. These can be low-cost visits to parks, museums, zoos and nature centers. Plan vacations with educational themes.

•    Practice math daily. Measure items around the house or yard. Track daily temperatures. Add and subtract at the grocery store. Learn fractions while cooking.  Or grab a Math exercise book from Costco or your local book store.  Read about effective and ineffective ways to use math worksheets.

•    Play outside. Limit TV and video game time during summer, just as during the school year. Intense physical activity and exercise contribute to healthy development.

•    Do good deeds. Students learn better and “act out” less when they participate in activities that help them develop emotionally, such as community service.

•    Keep a schedule. Continue daily routines during the summer with structure and limits. The key is providing a balance and keeping kids engaged.

•    Prepare for fall. Find out what your child will be learning during the next school year by talking with teachers at that grade level. Preview concepts and materials over the summer.

Source:  Summerlearning.org