The other day I was sitting in a department meeting when my principal brought up our end-of-the-year schedule. As we discussed the items on the schedule he asked us to brainstorm ideas to encourage our students to read this summer. Essentially, he wanted us to come up with ideas to prevent our students from the classic “summer backsliding.” We discussed some ideas and I thought I would mention some ideas here:
The first item is also probably the most important item on this list for any student this summer. Read. As a parent, one of the most helpful things you can do this summer is to encourage your child to read. Have them read every day, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes. By providing them with age-appropriate books or access to an online library, you can foster a lifelong love of reading. Reading books can also help with vocabulary skills, imagination, divergent thinking, and many more higher-order thinking skills.
The second item would be to set a schedule for your child or encourage them to set their own schedule. Summer is definitely a good time to have fun, but ten weeks without a schedule can have consequences when school begins again next fall. Encourage your child to set a schedule for their day that includes time for reading, practicing math skills, and other academic activities. Trust me, they will have plenty of time to play, have fun, and just be a kid!
The third item would be to take advantage of a summer program in your area. Many schools and community organizations offer summer programs designed to help students stay academically engaged. Check with your local schools or community centers to see what programs are available. Usually a quick call or your local library, church, or the guidance counselor at your child’s school will help you with any available programs running every summer. Keep in mind that not all programs are free and you may have to pay a fee to enroll.
The fourth item would be to encourage writing. Encourage your child to keep a summer journal, write letters to friends or family, or even start a blog. Writing is a great way to reinforce literacy skills and keep the mind active
Sometimes it can be tough on a child who just wants to play and have fun during their summer. The next few ideas can include the whole family.
You could play educational games as a family. Games can be fun for the whole family and a great way to keep your child engaged in learning over the summer. There are many educational games available online or lots of apps that can help reinforce math, reading, and other academic skills.
The last item to stop the summer backslide would be for your family to take educational field trips. Museums, zoos, and historical sites can be great places to learn and have fun at the same time. Look for educational opportunities in your area and plan a few outings over the summer.
Good luck and enjoy your summer break!