There’s less than a month of school left for Lockport students, and that end-of-the-year excitement is already in the air. Kids, teachers, and parents are all ready to kick off the summer break, but before that long-awaited last day of class, make sure you have a strategy for how to avoid the summer slump.
Dump the Summer Slump
If you don’t know what the “summer slump” or “summer slide” is, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to share not only what it is, but also some ways to avoid it altogether!
What Is Summer Slump or Summer Slide?
According to Scholastic, summer slump/slide is a “regression in academic proficiency due to summer break.” Studies have shown that kids lose a significant portion of the reading and math skills they developed over the last academic year when they have the whole summer off. It’s a real world example of “use it or lose it,” and it’s particularly dangerous for younger kids, who are learning important foundation skills like math and reading that can affect their educational progress for years to come. Research also shows that summer slide disproportionately affects kids from low-income families.
How to Avoid the Summer Slump
While summer learning loss is an important issue, there are plenty of ways you can help your kids enjoy their summer and avoid the slump.
Make Reading Fun
One of the most important gifts you can give your children is the love of reading. Joining a summer reading program or kids’ book club (check with your local library) is a good way to encourage more reading without turning it into a chore. When you allow your kids to read what interests them, they’re more likely to become avid readers. If they haven’t found their niche yet, just keep taking them to the library until you find a book they can’t put down. For some kids, non-fiction books about animals or space are what grabs them; for others, it’s the ability to explore new and exciting worlds through fiction; and for others, the visual aspect of comics might be what holds their interest. In fact, comic books and graphic novels are a great way to get “reluctant readers” hooked on reading!
Incorporate Educational Content
Let’s face it, your kids are going to want more screen time during the summer than they are allowed to have during the school year. One way you can make this work for you (and them) is to provide educational content that’s actually fun and engaging. Add some of these educational shows to their Netflix queue or set them up with math games on the computer or tablet.
Get Out and Move
One of the easiest mistakes to make is spending the whole summer laying around on the couch! Physical activity and new surroundings help keep kids sharp, so get out of the house and make exercise a fun part of your family routine. Roller skating is a great way to stay active, and it’s so fun your kids won’t even realize they’re burning calories, strengthening muscles, and improving their cardiovascular fitness. Come skate with us this summer at Rainbow Skateland! We can’t wait to see you at the rink.
Leave a Reply