Summer break is just around the corner, and while teachers around the community are breathing a sigh of relief as they prepare for a much-needed break, many are dreading what they know is about to happen – the dreaded “summer slump.”
Students who don’t stimulate their brains during the summer months lose the academic skills their teachers worked so hard to help them attain during the school year, especially in crucial subjects like math and reading. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education reports most students fall behind about 25 percent in reading over the summer and loses 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in math. As a parent, you can help prevent this! The Swan Learning Center suggests these tips to prevent the summer slump.
1. Read With Your Child
Every day over the summer, read with your child. Read to your child, and then have your child read to you. Push your child’s understanding by reading books that are harder than they can read, and letting them read along with you.
2. Explore Nature
Science discovery can happen when you spend time outdoors with your child. Instead of taking a walk, take a nature walk after looking online or in books to learn more about the flora and fauna of your area.
3. Provide Math Practice
Work math practice into daily life. Practice fractions while cooking and baking, throw out math facts to practice while playing a ball game together and give your child the chance to count money before you head out to hit some garage sales together.
4. Bring in Electronics
You can’t expect electronics to do everything, but you can install some learning apps or games on the tablet, phone or computer for those occasional rainy days. These are fun, but keep the mind stimulated.
5. Consider a Learning Camp
Learning camps give kids a fun environment in which to practice the skills they learned in the classroom. The Swan Learning Center has several options that kids love to attend.
Remember, summer may be fleeting, but it provides ample time for kids to forget much of what they learned. Take the time to do a little work with your child this summer, and help prevent that summer slump.
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