The dreaded summer slide…..
Summer is finally here! Yay. It’s time to relax and take a break. However, taking an extended break can lead to students losing about 2 months of learning!
Don’t worry! Kids (and you) can still have a break while stopping the dreaded summer slide!
Here are 5 simple ways to stop the dreaded summer slide!
Visit Your Public Library
Public libraries usually have fun summer reading programs. These free programs can motivate young readers to keep reading during the summer.
Check with the library to learn about summer events too. Often, you can find fun events like weekly story times or special kid-appealing guest speakers.
Plus, frequent visits to the library can help your children discover new books and explore new interests. They also will love getting to choose their own books! Having a choice often motivates even the most reluctant reader.
Don’t forget to read to them too. Kids really benefit from hearing fluent adults.
Visit Educational Websites
I know summer is the time to get kids off tech devices. Sometimes, your children might want screen time. Take them to sites that will actually help them keep their skills sharp.
Here are some of my favorites – and they are all free!
The first site to visit is Start with a Book. This site provides lots of ideas for activities and books to read. They will even text parents weekly literacy tips.
The second site to try is Summer of Possibilities: Play Your Way. This PBS site has suggestions for hands-on activities, tips, and games based on different themes. They also have some very handy resources for parents, like a summer reading log.
The third site recommendation is Our Virtual Camp Adventure. Another virtual summer camp centered around weekly themes. There are lots of book suggestions, games, and activities on this site as well.
Play Games
Games make learning fun. You can pull out some classic family board games for a fun family game night. Games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders provide a variety of skills review. Another option is to play summer-themed games. Roll and Spin Math Games are perfect for addition, subtraction, and number recognition.
You could also play Summer Reading Bingo for a fun twist on tracking your children’s summer reading. Click the image to get this Freebie.
Sneak in Skills Review
Children need a break from school. However, they also need time for paper-pencil review. Sneak in some skills review with fun printables. Your children won’t even realize they are working. This Summer Counting Freebie is a great option for a summer fun review.
Plan Weekly Themes
I promise this will be simple. Let your children help with the planning.
First, select a fun summer theme, like “camp out”, “under the sea”, or “pirate treasure hunt”.
Next, guide your children to find books at the library on their chosen theme.
Then, let kids create decorations (super simple ones). I am serious about simple – think blanket over the kitchen table to create an indoor tent for a camping theme.
Let your children plan some fun theme-related activities, such as creating treasure maps for a backyard treasure hunt.
Finally, encourage free play. You can easily still tie in learning with books, theme-related writing, and games. Just remember that free play is also beneficial. When kids play, they work on communication skills, problem-solving skills, and higher-order thinking skills.
In Conclusion,
The dreaded summer slide can be scary. Moreover, you hate for your children to lose so much of the gains they made during the school year.
However, you can absolutely stop the summer slide with simple strategies that are fun and effective.