On average, a summer is 2 ½ months. That is 2 ½ months that children can loose what they have gained over the academic year. It has been cited that teachers spend 6 weeks re-teaching old material to their students. While this will most likely occur regardless if your child has retained information over the summer, it is still important to make sure that they don’t slip over the summer. Statistics show that if you spend 2-4 hours a week (which equates to just 30-45 minutes per day) of academic related activities, then you can avoid the summer slide.
We have compiled a list of some fun ideas to help your students stay on track.
- Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
Scholastic states that reading six books will promote summer success: Research shows that reading just six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the six, be sure that they are just right — not too hard and not too easy. Take advantage of your local library and ask for help selecting books that match your child’s age, interests, and abilities. Libraries often run summer reading programs that motivate kids to read, so find out what’s available in your area. Head to Scholastic’s website to learn more and check out their book lists for great recommendations!
- Invest in a Journal
There is nothing more important than the idea of routine and consistency. Over the summer reading and writing skills are what fall behind the quickest. One easy way to keep your writing sharp, is to practice! Each summer, my mom took me to Staples (yes, I am dating myself) and I got to pick out a new notebook/journal. Each day after camp, I wrote down thoughts from the day, things I enjoyed, and my daily schedule. I didn’t even realize at the time that I was actually working and learning. But it made all the difference!
- Puzzles and Games
Your child will be learning all while having fun! Which is a win-win. Puzzles involve concentration, focus and determination. Games involve reading, following directions, and attention. Rolling those dice and counting out play money help with basic math skills. Head to Target or check out Amazon to get some of these activities that your child will be engaged with all summer!
- Conduct Experiments
Experiments are a great hands-on way to keep the learning exciting and fresh. Pinterest has thousands of different experiments organized by grade level, subject material, etc., that will keep your kids engaged. There are some that require household materials and others that you may need to purchase. Whatever they’re interests, there is certainly a way for them to explore it! Bonus if they can do one of the experiments on their own (so make sure it is age-appropriate) or with a neighbor or friend!
- Get help from the team at Teacher Time To Go!
Teacher Time To Go is your one-stop-shop for all things academic. We are a “travel to you” and virtual tutoring company providing Individualized Tutoring, Homework Help, Test Prep, Enrichment Services, Special Education Support, and Executive Functioning/Organizational Skills for learners in PreK through 12th grade. We have a a team of 90+ tutors who are ready to assist! Reach out today to get started!
Have a tip that is helpful!? We’d LOVE to hear from you!
Live.Laugh.Learn,
Jenn