Beat the Heat and the Summer Slide: Tips for Preventing Learning Loss During Summer Break

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but for many students, it can also lead to a phenomenon known as summer learning loss. 

Summer learning loss, also called the summer slide, refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that occurs over the summer break. 

Research shows that students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills during the summer, and the effects of summer learning loss can be cumulative. This means that students who experience summer learning loss year after year may fall behind their peers and struggle to catch up.

Fortunately, there are many things that parents can do to help their children avoid summer learning loss.

What can parents do to help?

Let them choose what they want to read.

Take them to the library. Reading is one of the best ways to prevent summer learning loss. Encourage your child to read every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Check out a wonderful summer reading guide HERE.

Set aside time for learning.

This does not have to be hours and hours of book work. It can be working on fun educational apps that practice math facts or reading fluency. It can also be writing in a journal. Play games and make it fun!

Enroll in a summer program.

Look for programs that focus on reading, math, and other academic skills. Find a high quality summer program that uses research-based methods and covers the most important academic skills such as reading fluency, comprehension, and math fact fluency. Learn about a great one HERE.

Get out of the house.

Summer is a great time to experience new places such as museums, historical sites, and other places of interest.

Explore the outdoors.

Not only are academic skills important, but so is staying active and engaged. Playing sports, going to the park, going for walks, and exploring nature are all ways your child can experience the outdoors.

 

Summer learning loss can become a real problem, but it’s one that can be prevented.

Let me help you prevent summer learning loss! Click HERE and check out our summer clubs where we will be covering essential learning while having lots of fun!