Summer is not far off and finding an array of fun summer learning activities will not only engage your child but can help ward off summer learning loss. You are like most families, preparing for the summer vacation break from school. Your child has progressed nicely through the academics of the current school year and is looking forward to a break. School provides a routine for learning and practicing material. What happens to this routine during the summer?
Research shows that students lose a month of academic achievement over the summer months. That means that they retain 8 months of information from a predictable 9 month school year. For computational math and spelling, they may lose 2.6 months. Students retain only about 2/3 of the information they cultured in these subjects. How do you as a parent limit this summer learning loss? Here are a few tips.
Fun Summer Learning Tip #1- Reading during the summer is vital. Students are required to read during the school year and should continue to develop their reading abilities during the summer. Find out at the local library about summer reading programs. The librarians should be able to recommend books for your child that are age appropriate as well as those that are of interest to your child. You should try to be a excellent role model and read as well. Let your child see you read. Children who frequently read often have parents who also read.
Fun Summer Learning Tip #2- Are you plotting a summer vacation away from home? Encourage your child to make a journal about the trip. This is a excellent way to practice writing skills. Have your child help map out the trip to practice math and science skills. Are you plotting to stay historic sites? Have your child write about these as well. He could make a play and become a character from the historical time period. Encourage your child to write about his summer activities in addition to vacation. He may learn to do something new, like ride a bike, and a confirmation of his progress would be fascinating.
Fun Summer Learning Tip #3- Having your child help with cooking is a way to practice math and science skills. Following a recipe is a excellent way to practice following directions. Most recipes have fractions for various amounts of ingredients. This, of course, is math practice.
Fun Summer Learning Tip #4- Consider tutoring for your child during the summer months. Your child can practice skills cultured during the school year and get a deeper understanding of the information he bought. He can also get a head start on the next school year. Online tutoring offers a convenient option. There is no commuting for you or the tutor. Tutoring sessions fit more easily into your schedule. Online tutoring uses technology that students like, computers and the internet.
Writing about summer activities, reading age appropriate books, adult supervised cooking, and tutoring are all fun summer learning activities that can underline what your child cultured during the school year. By incorporating subjects like reading, writing, math, and science into activities in which you participate during the summer, you can limit the summer learning loss for your child.