Tips for Preventing the Summer Slide

July 22, 2024 | Tips and Resources

Written by Debbie Wolff

Our Lutherville Parent Connector, Debbie Wolff, and her partner Chris have two sons, Brooks (4) and Griffin (1) and reside in Lutherville with their two dogs Lucy and Blitzen. Debbie teaches third grade and a fourth grade literacy class, as well as tutoring both virtually and in-person.

As a parent and teacher, I fully recognize the importance of keeping kids engaged and learning to help combat the Summer Slide. The “Summer Slide” refers to the loss of academic knowledge over the summer break, leading to the need for reteaching in the new school year. Helping children avoid the “Summer Slide” can actually make their summer more enjoyable as it will ease stress and nerves for the new school year. So, what can we do as parents to address this?

One essential strategy is to encourage reading habits in children. Research indicates that dedicating just 20 minutes a night to reading can yield significant benefits.

Here are some practical ideas to foster a love for reading in your child:

• Establish a reading club within your family.
• Create a family reading challenge, aiming to finish 3 books by the end of summer.
• Explore books that have been adapted into movies, such as “The Wild Robot,” and enjoy both versions.
• Participate in local reading challenges offered by places like Barnes & Noble or public libraries.

Personally, I’ve found organizing and leading book clubs to be incredibly rewarding. Watching children come together to discuss a book is truly amazing and inspiring. This summer, I plan to host a book club for middle schoolers when they return from sleepaway camp. We will transform their required reading into an enjoyable communal experience, which will also enhance their comprehension.

In addition to reading, practicing math facts can also help prevent the “Summer Slide.” Engage your child in fun math challenges using flashcards to improve their speed and accuracy. It’s easy to make fact games out of most card games such as War or Go Fish. Many websites, such as www.ixl.com and www.abcya.com, also offer games to keep your child engaged in practicing math.

Bring in real-world experiences by involving your child in practical math tasks. Take them along to the grocery store and challenge them to help with shopping within a set budget. Encourage them to plan and purchase a meal while staying under a set amount. Additionally, engage your child in baking activities, discussing different measurements as you work together in the kitchen. These hands-on experiences not only make math tangible but also foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in a meaningful context.

Remember, keeping your child’s mind active during the summer is vital for their academic success. By incorporating these strategies, you can make learning enjoyable and set them up for a great start to the school year!