Summer is a time for playing outside, going on vacation, camping, and taking time off from school. However, those few months being school free can often cause kids to hit the summer slide. This is the term used to describe what happens when kids are not actively using their brains as they do in school. It can also result in the loss of some skills, such as those learned in math and reading. This phenomenon is called “Summer Slide“.
Summer Slide happens when during the summer your child loses the study skills. It is important to prevent the summer slide. As it affects your child’s grades and moreover loss the confidence in studies. Let’s read more about “How to Avoid the Summer Slide”
How to Avoid the Summer Slide?
There are many ways parents can help ensure that while having fun, their children are not falling into the summer slide. Some ways to prevent the Summer Slide:
1. Introduce New Things
Often, children are reluctant to try something new. Parents can encourage them to try new things during the summer that might help develop various skills. For example, children can be introduced to interactive technology, such as academic websites. Or, you can work together with your child in learning how to build a robotic device or play an instrument. By trying new things, children may develop new skills and passions.
2. Read Everyday
Reading is a vital part of learning fundamental reading skills and vocabulary. During the summer, it is important to encourage children to still read books that interest them.
Taking trips to the library can be fun and give them the opportunity to check out a diverse selection of books. Many libraries have reading programs where students can earn prizes for reading during the summer.
Reading also does not have to be just books. It can be reading a guide when visiting a new place, magazines, road signs, etc.
3. Enroll In Summer Courses
Many children can benefit from and enjoy taking summer courses while not in school. Summer enrichment programs are created to be more like camps than traditional schools.
Students participate in a variety of academic projects to keep their brains active. Programs can vary, but some may be focused on increasing STEM skills, reading, writing, or other subject areas.
4. Make Learning Fun
Children can learn when they don’t even realize they are learning. There are many activities that can be done that include certain skills.
For example, have the kids do a race in the pool. They can use a timer to record times and create a chart to denote who got 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Or, you can help them make a birdhouse using a blueprint and checking measurements. The options are endless. The key is to keep it fun and peak their interests.
5. Make Screen Time Valuable
It is inevitable that children will watch television, be on their phones, and play on their laptops/tablets. Limit this time and make it valuable. There are numerous apps and games that can be played on their phone or laptop that includes various skill sets and is fun. The same goes for educational television. They can still have this screen time, but use it in a way that they are still actively learning.