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Summer is a generally a time for kids to kick back, take a break from routine and enjoy lazy days. It also, in many cases, is when learning loss- aka “The Summer Slide” can take place. Summer setbacks are nothing new regarding academics and the phenomenon has been researched by educators since the beginning of time. On average, student achievement will decline over the summer by one-months’ worth of an academic year of learning. Loss is usually greater in mathematics than reading, and higher grade leveled students are often more noticeably affected than younger learners. Additionally, the summer slide can also be measured in both social skills and classroom discipline.
Coupled with the last two years of COVID-19, this summer will undoubtedly create an even greater level of learning deficits, thus creating a greater push to help students get and stay on track. School districts need to address the issue of summer learning to help avoid achievement gaps, and to also avoid increases in the amount of time that teachers will need to spend “re-teaching” last year’s content. Academic losses will likely contribute to the repetitiveness of the typical grade-level curriculum come Fall.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to combat the inevitable summer setback. First and foremost, reading is key! Summer library reading programs, designed with themes and incentives are a great way to get young learners on board. Summer reading lists, bucket lists and challenge lists are also strong ways to keep literacy fun and a focus throughout the school-free months. School aged children should continue a daily ritual of reading for a specific time, based on their age and learning level. To up the game, consider adding a journal or diary to the mix and allow learners to keep a log, notes and questions or a review system of what they have read. Do not stop at books alone. Encourage children to read what they like. Magazines, comic books, cook-books and newspapers are all great print sources to dive into at the lake, pool, or Grandma’s house. Why not make your own version of any of those as an added fun idea?
Incorporate math, everywhere you can, into daily activities as well. Trips to the store or for ice cream can become teachable moments when paying for things and making change is put in the hands of your youngster. Is something on sale? Even better. Let them figure out percentages, discounts and prices. Watch a baseball game and discuss batting averages. Bake and measure out the ingredients together. When it is too nice to stay inside, set them up with an old-fashioned lemonade stand. For the older kids, send them to babysit, dog walk, or even to their first job. All are opportunities to understand schedules (time), budgeting and money. As a family, play Monopoly and watch how quick everyone becomes a math whiz!
Of course, for the rainy days, there are a multitude of free and fun educational apps, games and online programs that are wonderful learning tools for all topics at all grade levels. There are extensive, high quality choices worth utilizing during quiet down time. A quick google search or a recommendation from a teacher or librarian can help you choose the perfect resources.
Taking advantage of different opportunities throughout the summer to help retain learning, or to get ahead, can be well worth the effort, be enjoyable and help to stop the slide.
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