It’s a common problem among students: summertime regression. Studies show that most students lose at least some knowledge that they gained during the school year over the course of summer vacation. A little effort can go a long way when it comes to helping children avoid significant regression during the summer months. It doesn’t take eight hours a day of studying for your child to stay fresh. Try projects and activities that make learning fun.
Look for educational summer camps or programs.
Check with your child’s school for educational summer camp ideas. Perhaps your budding scientist will enjoy your local nature and science summer series for youth. If your child enjoys reading, check out writing programs for children and teens at your local library. Some universities/colleges do have summer programs for middle/high school students. (UCLA, USC, Occidental College).
Make library visits a weekly excursion.
Utilize libraries during the summer months. Most libraries host a variety of programs and classes for children and teens-from history classes to science programs to book clubs for all different genres. For younger children, the library may offer fun classes, clubs and more. (www.santaclaritalibrary.com)
Request reading lists from your child’s teacher.
Your child’s teacher can offer ideas to develop a realistic academic plan for summer. Ask for book recommendations based on your child’s reading level and request other activities your child can do with you or independently that will reinforce concepts learned this past year.
Make reading a daily occurrence.
Reading can be one of the most drastic regression areas, so develop a nightly reading routine for the whole household. Turn off the television and cell phones and have everyone in the family pull out their books or magazines for 30 minutes or longer. If your child needs help, read together. Keep it fun. Let your child chooses the reading material when you go to the library.
Summer is a great time for children to follow their interests and review what they learned last school year-and they can do so at a more relaxed pace. A summer learning routine doesn’t have to be rigorous, and it takes just a little creativity to come up with great anti-regression activities.
“Get your child involved in the process, and remind your child that a little work this summer will have a great impact when he or she goes back to school in the fall.”
For more information, please contact The Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CAN-LEARN.