How to Prevent Summer Learning Loss
When children finally get a break from school for the summer, some get a little too excited about the time away from the classroom. They commit to not learning anything until they’re back for the fall. This leads to summer learning loss, also known as the “summer slide.” You can help prevent this from happening to your child by making learning fun. Here are steps we recommend taking to avoid learning loss over the summer break.
Keep Your Child Reading
Reading during the summer is one of the most important ways for children to keep learning while away from school. Encourage your child to join a summer reading program, such as a youth book club or program at the library. Find your school’s recommended reading lists and have your child pick out a few books that pique his or her interest. Maybe this summer, your child can create his or her own little reading nook to make the reading experience more fun and reduce distractions.
Practice Math Together
Most children don’t want to spend every day doing math, especially during the summer. However, it’s important for your child to practice to retain the knowledge gained during the school year. Math builds on itself, so it will only become more difficult if your child forgets where he or she left off. Consider sending your child to a STEM summer camp or gamify math at home using math-related apps and games. Any time spent with this subject can help your child prepare for the upcoming school year.
Visit Museums
Children are less likely to experience learning loss if they keep learning over summer. Museums are a fun, inexpensive way for your child to interact with his or her favorite subjects. Find art, history, science and nature museums where you and your child can explore. Once you’re there, encourage your child to participate in hands-on activities like fossil digs and interactive exhibits. There’s always something to learn at the museum.
Get Creative Juices Flowing
In early childhood, children are encouraged to explore and be creative in school. However, that focus moves toward academic achievement as they get older. Throughout the summer, encourage your child to create something, whether it’s through writing, painting, photography, or film making. If your child is into creating art, writing, singing, playing instruments or acting, see if there’s a summer camp or class he or she can attend. Any opportunity to create and be part of something bigger gives your child a chance to learn and grow.
We encourage our students to develop a love of learning, even over summer break. For more than 50 years, the Diocese of Orlando, which includes the top Orlando private schools, has been helping children grow to their fullest potential and become leaders within their communities. We offer unique and dynamic learning environments that engage students and encourage them to become confident and responsible adults. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us today.