Summer Learning: Opportunities Abound

          Summer is a wonderful time for fun and frivolity. However, based on the most recent research, summer slide is a concern for students of all ages.  Whether your child is in Kindergarten or Grade 6, there are some simple methods for helping to prepare your child for the next grade while incorporating fun all summer long.

First, let’s take a peek at the most recent research. 

                    Students’ lose 2 months of reading over the summer

                    2-3 hours of learning during the summer is needed to ensure skill maintenance

                    2.6 months of math skills are lost during the summer
 
          With this in mind, one might wonder how do I guide my child through the learning process using inspirational methods?  Unlike during the school year, there are no predetermined lessons to implement or topics a student must master.  Capitalize on this opportunity.  Allow the students’ interests whether it is the solar system or insects, Shakespeare or Plato, to guide their review and practice.

3 simple steps for success.

First, discover your child’s learning style. 

          There are various types of learning style inventories available within a few clicks on the web.  Some of these inventories tap into parent insight through the use of checklists, box sorting and questionnaires.  Others are designed for students to complete.  They can include picture responses, checklists and free response.
 
          Another method is to simply observe.  What items does your child seem to enjoy most?  Is there a particular toy or book that they repeatedly read?  Green Eggs and Ham, Koala Lou, Legos?  The most likely reason they spend time interacting with this item is because they enjoy it.  There is some redeeming feature that keeps the child coming back.  The reason may take a little observation and careful deliberation.  However, it is there if one pauses long enough to consider it.
       
          In my experience, the most effective method for discovering a child’s learning style is simply to ask.  Within each of us, lies a deeper understanding of our preferences, thoughts and feelings than we may expose on the surface.  A simple conversation about what subjects your child enjoys, what tools they find meaningful and location preferences for learning will allow their learning style and preferences to be discovered.  It’s well worth the investment of time, your guidance will set the stage for later learning experiences.

Second, allow the child to select their preferred learning tools.

          Over the last few years, a number of publishing companies have created workbooks for children to complete over the summer.  While the activities included are often education and well meaning, the most effective tool to ensure your child enjoys summer learning experiences is to allow flexibility in selecting the topic and materials they will use for learning.  If your child really enjoys learning about the solar system, take time to visit other planets without even leaving the house through a virtual field trip.  There are numerous sites that offer virtual learning opportunities oftentimes at minimal to no charge.  They integrate multimedia experiences concerning the topic of choice.  Or better yet, visit a local museum to explore their interests further.  Regardless of the topic or modality, allow the child the choice in their learning; you will be amazed at the results!
        
Third, integrate writing whenever possible.

          One of the most overlooked subjects in the classroom is writing.  While this is a vital life skill, it is often overlooked due to the demands of other content areas.  Therefore, encourage your child to write whenever and wherever possible.  Please refer to my previous post on writing for some helpful techniques to keep in mind to encourage your child to write for years to come.
 
Above all else, have fun!  Learning can and will be fun if we simply allow the child’s natural curiosity to be the guide.  There are many opportunities to expand your child’s understanding this summer.  Take advantage of this time!
 
 
 
 
 
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