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Preventing the Summer Slide
Activities to Stay Sharp!
Summer break is often a time for kids to recharge, kick back, relax, and embrace the kind of freedom that only comes with being young and having zero responsibilities. In last month’s Laker, we examined many non-academic ways to keep kids active and engaged during the summer months. If you missed it, you can find it again here! Unfortunately, this free time can also lead to something called the summer slide, a regression in academic skills due to non-reinforcement, and experts warn it is hindering kids’ progress when they head back to school. In fact, studies have shown that students in grades 3rd - 5th lost, on average, 20% of school year gains in reading, and nearly 27% of school year gains in math (Kim, 2011).
This month, I would like to share with you some academic activities that can help your child maintain the skills they need to continue to strive into the next school year. In this article, you can find a myriad of 10 different tips to help students stay on track in both reading and math. Likewise, the Discovery Education website provides many different opportunities for reinforcing and enhancing academic skills for all ages and levels of learners! Just have your child log into their school account and let the fun learning begin!!! Check it out and help your child(ren) stay brain engaged this summer!
Kim, J. (2011, April). Solving the Problem of Summer Reading Loss. Kappan Magazine, 92(N7), 64–67.
~ Mike Ling, Curriculum Director
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