PREVENTING THE SUMMER SLIDE WORDS: Manatee County School District’s School Psychologists and School Social Workers Very often we hear the terms “brain drain” or “summer slide” when discussing students and the upcoming summer months. According to the National Summer Learning Association, students typically lose between one and three months of learning over summer vacation. Experts say math is the hardest-hit subject, with the loss of roughly 2.6 months of grade-level skills as predictable as the summer calendar. Reading and spelling skills also decline. Experts say teachers spend two to six weeks reviewing at the beginning of each new school year, trying to regain what was lost over the summer. The goal of summer learning is enhancing learning through intellectual stimulation. Although most often the advice given is, “Make sure your children read every day,” there are other ways to prevent the summer slide. Summer learning does not have to mean sitting with books and worksheets every day, playing school. Instead, hands-on activities, talking, exploring, and enhancing curiosity are all ways to continue the learning in the summer with your children. ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� (As recommended by the National Summer Learning Association) ���������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� • Ask for a summer homework packet. • Ask for a summer reading list. • Ask for recommendations for high-quality online programs. If your teacher used an online reading or math program during the school year, ask if it will be available throughout the summer. ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ • Ask if the school media center will be open during the summer. • Ask if your child’s school or the school district offers any summer programs. • If your child receives special education services during the school year, ask what services will be available during the summer. • If your child is eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program, ask if meals will be served during the summer and if so, when and where. �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ • Most libraries have a free summer reading program with prizes and rewards for children who read throughout the summer. They often have free organized activities children can participate in, as well. If your child doesn’t already have a library card, sign him or her up for one. They’re free! • Check with local non-pro��t organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, park districts, and the YMCA – most run camps throughout the summer. Some programs may be low-cost, or free. �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� • Look for toys, books, puzzles, and board games that you already own – children often enjoy playing with “old favorites” that they haven’t seen in awhile; explore the playgrounds, parks, walking trails, and libraries in your community. Other activities that you and your children can participate in to combat the summer slide include cooking together (great for math skills), turning off the TV and other electronic devices, creating art or making your own stories/books, completing science experiments, preparing and eating smart and healthy meals, and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 94
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