Summer is usually a time of fun, relaxation, and plenty of outdoor activities. However, it’s important to find ways to keep your kids engaged and learning, to prevent summer learning loss — or summer slide.
Most of the homeschool families I know, continue lessons over the summer, even if they are reduced. Whether you homeschool or not, you can help your kids beat the summer slide.
What is summer slide?
Summer learning loss, also referred to as summer slide, is a term used to describe the natural decline in academic performance during the summer months. This decline can be caused by several factors, such as loss of focus and motivation due to weather changes, lack of sleep, and distractions from recreational activities. However, most summer slide is simply a result of boredom and lack of challenge. With the right strategies in place, parents can help students maintain their academic momentum all summer long.
If you google it you can find a bunch of summer slide stats, but for in post we’re going to focus on simple strategies to help your kids stay engaged.
Here are 5 tips to help prevent a learning loss and keep your child learning all summer long.
1. Set a good example.
One of the best things you can do to create a summer learning sanctuary for your child, is to be consistent exhibit the behaviors you want your child to mirror. This means setting a good example, and reading or doing fun learning activities with them.
2. Keep them busy.
Make sure you are keeping them busy and engaged with activities outside of the home. This will help to prevent them from spending too much time on the computer or watching TV.
3. Set boundaries.
Give your child time limits for recreational activities such as hanging out with friends and screen time, so they know when they have had enough for the day. It’s also helpful to set minimums for learning activities, like reading or worksheets. This will help to prevent them from getting into trouble or spending too much time on the phone or online.
4. Make use of summer learning resources.
There are plenty of great summer learning resources available online, such as online courses and books, and I’ll be sharing my favorite here on the blog, on Instagram, and in my community newsletter — so make sure to check back, follow, and signup!
5. Connect with other parents.
Connecting with other parents can be a great way to share ideas and resources, and plan meetups with other families. You can even take turns hosting kids between homes for weekly meetups, where they spend a couple of hours a week doing worksheets, conducting science experiments, or teaching each other a concept they’ve mastered. The best part is these meetups can be flexible, and easily fit into your busy schedule.
We Can Prevent Summer Slide
Though the term summer slide is modern, the concept is not.
I remember my dad telling me the story of him going on summer break in elementary school, and never picking up a book or pencil. He said by the time the new school year rolled around, he’d almost forgotten how to spell his name. It scared him so much that from then on, he became an avid reader. It’s one of the reasons he and my mom worked so hard to instill a love of learning in me. It’s also the reason I’ve work to pass it on to my children, and you can help get your kids excited about learning over the summer too.
These five tips will help to prevent summer learning loss and get your kids ready for school this fall. Are there any other ways you have found to help prevent summer slide? Share them in the comments below!
