Iowa children are mid-way through their summer break from school, and for some, even the memory of the previous school year may be long gone. However, learning and academic growth don’t have to stop when school is not in session, says Barbara Dunn Swanson, a health and human sciences educator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“In education, we often hear about the ‘summer slide.’ It’s the learning loss that students experience during the long break from school,” Dunn Swanson said.
Research suggests that students can lose up to one month of academic progress over the summer, particularly in reading and math. However, families can take steps to keep their children engaged and learning throughout the summer months.
Promote reading
Reading is one of the most effective ways to prevent learning loss. Dunn Swanson offers parents the following tips:
- Set aside time each day for your child to read, whether independently or together with you.
- Choose books that match your child’s interests to make reading enjoyable.
- Check out your local library. Many offer summer reading programs and challenges.
- Little free libraries have popped up in many towns. Explore their offerings for a fun summer adventure.
- Reading can happen everywhere. Take your favorite books with you in the car to share on shopping trips, picnics, stops at local parks or wherever your family travels.
Add math to your menu
Getting the kids into the kitchen to cook this summer can reinforce many math concepts they learned during the school year, Dunn Swanson said. Reading recipes, measuring ingredients and learning cooking skills can be fun, as well as something families can do together.
Math can also be strengthened when planning a family meal within a budget, Dunn Swanson said. “Take the shopping list and head to the grocery store to see whether you can buy the items on the list and stay within your budget. It’s OK if you need to change the menu to stay within budget.”
Encourage writing
Another way to reduce the summer slide in academics is to encourage children to write about their summer experiences, Dunn Swanson continued. Writing helps children retain literacy skills. Encourage them to write about their camping experiences or their trips to the library or other fun summer experiences.
While summer is a time for relaxation, maintaining a regular routine can help children stay mentally active, Dunn Swanson said.
“Don’t let the summer slide impact your family this summer! Set aside time for reading, learning activities and creative play to ensure that your children continue to develop their skills without feeling overwhelmed. Then they’ll be able to return to school with a greater sense of confidence,” Dunn Swanson said.
For more parenting tips, visit the Science of Parenting Podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Health and human sciences educators share real-life solutions based on scientific research to help you make informed decisions for your family.
PHOTO: Happy mother and daughter reading a book. (Adobe Stock │ #454726100 – Syda Productions)
