The Summer Slide

This was sent out by Prairie South today and with the end of the school year approaching I felt compelled to share this with all of you.  Your child has worked SO hard this year to learn new skills, become fluent readers and use their comprehension strategies.  Continuing to read over the summer months is vital so that children don't lose those skills they have worked so hard at.  I know the summer months usually mean very different routines for you and your family but I encourage you (actually I'm begging you) to continue reading each day with your child. 

From Prairie South:

Between the end of one school year and the start of the next every student risks what is known as the summer slide. With the final bell right around the corner, this is a weighty topic on every parent and educator’s mind.

 On average, students lose 2 months of reading skills over the summer.

Ways to incorporate reading into your summer plans

•Take a trip to your local library

•Bring a book with you to the park or the beach

•Read a chapter in the morning, when your child is used to learning and before other plans cause distraction

Studies show that reading four to five books over the summer has a positive impact comparable to summer school enrolment. Plus, this gives your child a chance to choose books that he or she is interested in, keeping the activity fun and interesting too!

Children are at risk of losing more than just academic knowledge during the summer – physical fitness levels also take a hit. Encouraging physical activity all summer long will help your child stay at peak mental form, as physical health is known to enhance academic performance.

Ways to incorporate physical activity into your summer plans

•Sign your child up for a team sport

•Encourage learning a new skill such as swimming

•Go on walks and explore your city

Be sure to take advantage of all the different opportunities to get outside and get active.

Regular physical activity can lead to increased concentration and improved mathematics and test scores.

The use of technology offers many opportunities to encourage summer learning. Through promoting vital skills like problem solving and critical thinking, educational games are a valuable way to allow technology to your summer learner.

Ways to incorporate educational technology into your summer plans

•Challenge your child to a new high score on an educational app

•Start a tech project together – like a toy robotics kit

•Teach kids through your own tasks – ie. baking a cake, or fixing a bicycle

Between 65,200 educational apps, various tech-based toys, and even just household activities, there are an endless supply of tech projects to use to encourage summer learning for your child.

Summer learning is important!