Summer learning loss is real!
According to a study by Dr. Harris Cooper, professor of psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia, “When students return to school after a long summer vacation, they’ve lost one to three months worth of learning.” The study, which was outlined in an article on summer learning for FamilyEducation.com, is understandably troubling for many parents.
So, how best to combat the dreaded Summer Slide? Keeping your child somewhat structured and keeping to a schedule, even though it’s summer, is essential. And, don’t forget to “sneak in” some fun learning opportunities!
12 easy ways to prevent summer learning loss
- Research different countries then visit an ethnic grocery related to the same place and try its food (SOCIAL STUDIES)
- Draw a map of places for an upcoming vacation and color in the states as you see their “Welcome To…” signs (SOCIAL STUDIES)
- Talk to mature residents in the neighborhood and compare notes from the past to now (SOCIAL STUDIES)
- Do some cooking together and measure ingredients (MATH)
- Keep a thermometer outside and track the temperature (MATH)
- Pick a sports team to follow and chart their stats (MATH)
- Make a calendar and draw pictures on it and list daily events (WRITING)
- Start a scrapbook and put small descriptions under the photos (WRITING)
- Write letters to a child at camp and have them write back (WRITING)
- Set an example and let your child see YOU reading (READING)
- Join a summer reading program at the local library (READING)
- Have an older sibling read aloud to younger ones (READING)
How to spark a passion for a new subject in your child this summer?
Summer is also the perfect time for kids (and parents!) to learn something new. Author Ginny Graves of Parents magazine says, “Most parents read to their young kids, which helps encourage imagination, language, and an early love of learning. But not all children remain curious and inquisitive into adolescence. Alarmingly, studies have found that from third grade on, a child’s enjoyment of learning drops continuously — a phenomenon some researchers blame on the increasing focus on grades and report cards as kids get older. Younger children, on the other hand, learn for the sheer joy of it.”
So, this summer, why not expose children to drama, music, art, photography, or a foreign language? Back to Basics Learning Dynamics offers exciting enrichment options for every age and interest and 1-on-1 instruction in over 60 subjects. To learn more about summer enrichment options at Back to Basics Learning Dynamics in Wilmington, Nationwide, please call 302-594-0754.
Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is the undisputed leader in 1-on-1 tutoring in Nationwide and southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 subjects. The company also offers 1-on-1 SAT Prep, ACT Prep and Test Prep, translating and interpreting in 16+ languages, homeschool support, educational testing and more. For more information about Back to Basics’ educational services, please call us at 302-594-0754.
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