The school year can get busy. Really busy. Raise your hand if you are exhausted (and oh so ready for a break!) by the time summer arrives? I think most of us with school-age children can relate to that feeling.
But, in the back of our minds we wonder what we should be doing to prevent academic decay during the three-month sabbatical from school. If you feel this way, research shows you have good reason to be concerned.
Did you know that on average, students lost approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills during the summer months? Also, teachers typically spend between 4-6 weeks re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer.
How can we keep our kids on track to begin the next grade level, while still allowing let-down time for our school-weary youngsters?
Ruth A. Peters, Ph.D., a “Today” show contributor, had these suggestions to share.
- Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions specific to subjects where your child may need extra help.
- Take advantage of teachable moments to have your child learn without even realizing it. Planning a summer trip? Have your child calculate mileage, map a route using Mapquest, or employ their research techniques to find fun things to do on the trip.
- Take advantage of free community enrichment programs found at your local library, museums, zoo, parks etc. Often they offer activities your child is unable to attend during the school year.
- Make a goal with your child to complete a certain number of math problems and reading minuts each week and find appropriate rewards or incentives for your child.