Stop Summer Learning Loss

4 Easy Ways To Stop Summer Learning Loss

Author: Hannah McCarthy
While all kids invariably look forward to the summer as a time of fun and relaxation, away from the stresses of school work, it\'s increasingly believed that long holidays have a serious impact on their education. The phenomenon of \'summer learning loss\' is now widely recognised by the teaching profession as a matter of concern. Over the summer, kids forget on average about a month\'s worth of school learning, meaning teachers have to spend a significant part of the next school year bringing everyone back up to speed.

So, what can we do to combat summer learning loss? Schools are currently exploring the idea of five-term school years to reduce the length and impact of the summer break, but parents also have a big role to play. There are loads of simple ways to keep children stimulated and exercise their maths, reading and writing skills. Here are 4 easy-to-implement ideas for you to try out:

1. Make reading a summer priority
It may sound obvious, but one of the most straightforward ways to combat learning loss is to encourage kids to read regularly. Not only does it help keep kids engaged with the kind of activities that they do at school, but it also expands their horizons and establishes healthy habits. Of course, kids won\'t want to be stuck indoors reading when they could be out playing in the sunshine, so try to integrate reading naturally, perhaps as a book at bedtime or an alternative to video games.

2. Try out \'fun\' homework
Most kids will flee at the sight of homework in the holidays, but it\'s nevertheless a useful way to keep them engaged and up-to-speed with their schoolwork. To make homework more attractive, think about how it could be more enjoyable and informal. Instead of a long list of maths questions, give them a fun and colourful puzzle to complete. Instead of tiresome writing exercises, try out some word games or even encourage them to write letters to friends.
e-Learning software offers a great solution for parents looking to introduce their kids to fun homework. These packages often include colourful characters and emphasise play as much as they do learning.

3. Seize opportunities for everyday learning
Life throws up loads of opportunities for kids to keep their maths and other academic skills sharp. Baking a cake, for example, requires careful measurement and good time management, and giving kids responsibility for these aspects will see them actively using numerical skills learnt at school. Another opportunity is in planning the family vacation. By involving children in the planning of the holiday, parents can get them thinking about geography and effective organisation. This kind of \'stealth learning\' is possible with just about any domestic activity.

4. Experiment with enrichment
Summer learning doesn\'t just have to be about the subjects they\'re already doing in school. Instead, all sorts of enrichment activities are available that can keep children stimulated while introducing them to new, exciting hobbies and activities. Classes in acting, dancing, sport or music provide a way to engage children in a way which is both fun and educational, meaning they\'ll be well-prepared for the next school year.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/childhood-education-articles/4-easy-ways-to-stop-summer-learning-loss-5376533.html
About the Author
Hannah McCarthy is Marketing Executive for Education City, a leading supplier of eLearning software to the preschool and school markets. With online preschool games, a comprehensive package of teaching resources covering the core curriculum in maths, science and literacy and Stig and Sten\'s fun games for kids aged 4 to 12 to play at home, Education City is the future of interactive learning.