The days are warming, parents are pulling out the sunscreen and swim suits, and the kids are eager to spend a few months playing and forgetting all about learning. But, is this commonly-accepted three-month summer break a good idea for student learning?
The Bad News:
You may have heard of the "Summer Slide," but does it really matter? Studies show that it does!
The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) discovered in a 2020 study that students in grades 3-5 lose, on average, approximately 20-30% of their academic progress during the summer months. Younger students may experience even greater losses.
Numerous research studies since the mid-1990s have consistently demonstrated that the "Summer Slide" is a significant and detrimental phenomenon affecting student learning.
The Good News:
Summer learning doesn't have to be boring! To prevent learning loss, parents have many options to keep their young scholars learning, growing, and prepared for the upcoming school year. Here are some ideas to make learning fun and engaging in the summertime.
Set Goals: Identify specific learning goals for the summer. Whether it's finishing a certain number of books or mastering a new skill, having clear objectives helps maintain focus and motivation.
Create a Schedule: While flexibility is key, having a loose schedule can ensure that learning activities are integrated into daily routines without feeling overwhelming.
Incorporate Play: Learning should be fun! Incorporate educational games, hands-on activities, and outdoor adventures to keep things exciting.
Encourage Exploration: Allow children to pursue their interests and encourage them to ask questions and seek answers. Fostering a sense of curiosity is one of the most valuable aspects of summer learning.
Hire Help!: Here at Skill Spark Academy, we work with students year-round to promote life-long learning skills in literacy, STEM, and any other subjects your student is passionate about. Interested in one-on-one or small group sessions to prevent your child from losing their learning this summer? Please reach out!
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