The Summer learning gap is here. Its’ ready to set students academically back a few months. Also, it’s that time of the year when parents scramble for activities to keep students busy, both physically and mentally. If your child isn’t of age for a summer job, they must be kept busy.
When children are not engaged in active learning over the summer, they lose skills in reading and mathematics. Many years of research confirms that by not having schools open during the summer months, it contributes to academic underachievement. Students’ brains must be stimulated in order to continue the learning process. A long relaxing summer vacation is an old tradition and no longer fits the demands of today’s society.
Summer Learning Communities
Locally, children need camps, , swimming teams, sports and library activities to keep students stimulated. Look for reading lists from the school, local library, or on the Internet – Goodreads.com is one place to start a search. Also, computers are found in local libraries or community centers to enhance digital learning. Town halls post the summer activities for school age children.
Today’s society has a focus on global competitiveness. The summer learning loss is a fact. Therefore, students, parents, and teachers need to find time to keep young minds active. Finding ways to continue to learn while enjoying a couple of months from the typical routine of the school year will keep everyone ‘tuned up’ to begin the new school year. Involvement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) activities make learning relevant in the real world.
Keeping learning alive during the summer months can be as simple as a friendly sleepover or a local campground retreat. And, it all begins with a book and someone to take the lead in a discussion or oral reading. Therefore, summer learning activities begin with the family and/or community oriented churches or local colleges.
Make the attempt to keep young brains stimulated over summer. We must not let the summer learning gap happen. Engage students in the summer months with reading, playing board games, learning music, playing sports, and learning a new language are activities to stimulate the brain. All of society can improve, learn, and engage while still having a great summer vacation.
