Parents Can Help Minimize Summer Learning Loss

Nationwide, research is consistently showing that over the course of their summer break, our kids are losing some of the critical skills they have previously learned. One study showed that when students are given a test at the beginning and end of their summer break, they score significantly lower at the end of their summer break, even though it's the same test. It’s what experts call Summer Learning Loss.

According to Reading is Fundamental, “the greatest areas of summer loss for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, are in factual or procedural knowledge.”

Summer learning loss has some serious consequences, which is why many parents and educators are asking school districts around the country to consider changing school calendars to accommodate differences in student learning.

While discussions about what changes should and should not be happening to school calendars, we, as parents, can do our part to ensure that our kids continue learning throughout their summer break.  

There are some great sites out there offering all sorts of ways to keep your child’s learning alive over the summer at any grade level!

• 101 Things to Do This Summer: Although this list was created in 2005, the activities and ideas still apply.
• Beach Activities: The beach is a great place to go on a scavenger hunts or do a science experiment.
• Nature Hike Ideas: Play some games, create some crafty creatures or go on a field trip. There is a lot to learn from the world around you! 
• Olympic Games for Kids: The Summer Olympics will be here soon. Have your kids create their own Olympic Game competition.
• K12 Summer Reading list: Our reading list offers our recommendations for all grade levels.  
• The National PTA: Great suggestions to encourage summer learning, such as volunteering and creating talent shows in your own backyard.
• Summer Journaling:  Help your kids work on their grammar, imagination, and literacy by encouraging them to write each day. According to the Pioneer Woman, “it’s a relaxed, creative way to exercise newly gained skills.”
• Virtual Field Trips: Recently, Ashley wrote a blog post about some interactive virtual field trips available. One of the newest is called Planet in Action and it uses the Google Earth 3D technology.
• Butterfly Unit - From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Kids of all ages love butterflies. Here’s  science lesson all about butterflies designed for students in grades Pre-K- 3.
• Science - Bugs - Butterflies and Caterpillars: A Pre-K- 3^rd grade super highway to Butterfly land--tons of resources!

The key is to make whatever the activity or lesson is fun and engaging, so both you and your kid can have a fun and rewarding summer! 

Related Links

• Education.com:  Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions
• Reading is Fundamental: Primer on Summer Learning Loss
• Edutopia: How to Beat Summer Learning Loss
• thinktanK12: Summer