The Summer Slide & How To Prevent it

Written by Rona Reid, Instructional Coach

Summer break is quickly approaching! Although it’s a time to relax and rejuvenate, it can also be a time of summer slide. Studies show that when away from school, students lose significant math and reading skills over the summer break (up to three months worth, which accumulates year after year) . Though students deserve a holiday, learning should not stop when on vacation.

 

Throughout the school year students have reflected on how they hope to grow as learners. Many students have indicated that they want to work on developing their English Language Arts skills. Summer is a great time to read for pleasure so your teen may want to sign up for Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge or checkout the Sheep River Library’s Summer Reading Club or Teen Zone. There is also a free audiobook site for teens called Sync or free podcasts which might be a nice alternative for long car rides. Another idea, Harvard’s Family Dinner Project promotes “food fun and conversation” and they offer lots of ideas for engaging family fun at home. Our favorites are the Alphabet and  Food Poetry games.

Additionally, many students want to improve their Mathematics skills. Because summer Math loss is also a concern, we hope that parents will consider integrating/practicing math skills over the summer (e.g. math apps, math puzzles/challenges, etc).  A wonderful option for developing a growth mindset in mathematics is Stanford University’s free course for students wanting to form a positive relationship with Mathematics. For those who would like to increase their mathematical confidence, please consider signing up. It’s a commitment of six 20 minute sessions and it’s free!

Have a wonderful, relaxing summer break. Be sure to read fun and interesting things everyday!