The end of the school year ushers in new schedules where
educational activities once were.
Studies have shown that summer vacation can result in an estimated one
month of lost skills or learning retention per school year. (Cooper, www.colorincolorado.org) Summer also means an increase in potential free
time at home. Summer can be a fun,
relaxed opportunity to build relationships and learning.
There are many simple activities that will help with
learning retention or preparation, and build healthier relationships between
family members. Learning at home can go
beyond worksheets or educational television.
Summer offers hands-on situations that magnify classroom theory. It is the time to apply academic skills,
natural curiosity and critical thinking to real life.
Some meaningful activities include: field-trips
to natural habitats, library trips, gardening, museum visits, cooking and
grocery shopping. Some learning activities with low parental involvement are: water or sand tables, specialized Lego/block
activities or 'reading BINGO'.
Throughout summer, I will post resources and offer
activities to increase the value of summer time. I also offer sessions with children or parents for fun learning activities. Future posts will explore the ideas mentioned above along with parent-guided activities and independent activities for children. Please email questions or ideas as you plan
your summer fun.
Here are some good resources to get started:
Get the Facts &
Solutions:
Cooper, Harris. Colorin
Colorado! WETA, "Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions."
2003, Web. 15 May 2013. http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/8057/
National Summer
Learning Association Research article on Summer Learning:
Quick Tips:
My past professor
Damon L. Bahr and literacy professor Timothy G. Morrison discuss ideas to help
with the learning setback in the article Summer
Slump from Spring 2013 BYU Magazine.
They list quick learning
activities to try: http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&a=3178
Summer Reading Tips:
