Most kids look forward to summer, which means more time with their friends and family.
What about summer learning? Research shows that summer learning is when children lose academic knowledge, both from the past and present years.
Summer Learning Loss is an important problem, particularly for low-income students. The National Summer Learning Association states that low-income students could lose up to three months of their reading skills, while all income children will likely fail as much as two and a half months of their math skills. Students can lose up to three months of their reading skills before getting back on track.
These are ten ways to help your students avoid the summer slide and get ahead of their peers for next year
1. Surprise Adventures
Historical battlefields and renaissance festivals are great places for your children to visit during summer. Find interactive sites that offer new information and have fun.
2. Summer Learning Events
National Summer Learning Day takes place July 13, 2017. This event is being held in more than 34 states and 110 countries. Summer Learning Day will feature a range of events, including book challenges, youth summer camps, reading clubs, and more. Find events in your area to participate in.
3. Smart Phone Apps for Learning
Story Bird allows children to create their own stories using provided images. This app is a great way for students to improve their writing skills and vocabulary throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Apple and Android App Stores.
4. Visit a local library
The local library offers many fun and varied activities during the summer. Another great way to keep your reading skills up is reading with your student. Start a book club with your friends.
5. Cooking with Math
Cooking together with your child can be a bonding activity and a way to reinforce math concepts. Find out how to teach math, and learn some summer cooking techniques for your kid.
6. Summer School
Summer school may help students learn difficult subjects during the school year. It can also give them a head start for the next school year. An online summer school can be a great option. It will allow your student to try a new elective or even learn a new language.
7. Interactions / Summer Camps
Interacting with other people is an excellent way for your child to make friends, develop social skills and become independent.
8. Additional Courses
As with summer school, students can take supplementary courses to help them grow and develop as they go through the summer. There are courses in science, math, social studies and other subjects that can be taken.
9. Take some time for summer learning.
Make sure you have some time to allow your student to study during summer break. It is possible to work on academics for as little as 15-30 minutes per day. Include reading, math and science.
10. Every day, learn a new word
Make sure that students can spell the word correctly, use it in a sentence, and know its meaning.