It’s often called “summer brain drain” by
many teachers. The term describes the loss of learning that occurs in children
during the summer break from school, a very real and annual concern for teachers
as well as parents. What can parents do to help their children avoid
this?
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been talking about this topic
with my young students in grades 2 through 5 as the end of the school year has
been fast approaching. Some suggestions and resources were also provided for the
children and their families.
One bright-eyed, third grader described how
he keeps his skills sharp over the summer. Tyler told the class that at the
beginning of every summer, his mother purchases
a skill-building workbook
for his next grade level. She also buys one for each of his brothers, and
they work together in their respective books several times each week. It is no
surprise that all three children are successful in school. This is just one way
of keeping “summer brain drain” at bay.
Other strategies can also
promote skill building and retention over the summer. Many of them are available
at low or no cost. Just a little effort and forethought might be needed. Here
are just a few:
1.
Encourage your child to read often. Surround
your child with books wherever and whenever possible. Regular visits to your
local public library go a long way in establishing good habits of life-long
reading and learning. These visits can also be great opportunities to spend
quality, family time together---and the price is certainly right!
2.
Set aside time each day to read to your child. This will show him that
reading is very important to you and your family. It will also increase a
child’s desire to read independently. Consider a “family reading time” for
obvious, additional benefits.
3.
Promote reading in the many things
you already do with your children. Ask them to read street signs, menus,
game directions, cereal boxes, and other items. This will demonstrate that our
world provides much information and opportunities through the reading of words
and text. It will also promote independence.
4.
Consider providing a
journal for your child, a place where she can write about the books she is
reading during the summer. You might recommend that she write an alternative
ending to a favorite book. Looking back through the journal at the end of the
summer will remind her of all the reading she has accomplished in only a few
weeks. She will also have improved her critical thinking and writing
skills.
5.
Do you have a reluctant or struggling reader? You might
suggest
books (at first)
with a few more illustrations and
a
little less text per page. Another idea to consider:
audio books
(also available at your local library). If you discover that your child
learns best by listening (an auditory learner), this approach will be a very
good idea.
Share this discovery with your child’s teacher when the fall
semester begins. It will be helpful information for that teacher and
invaluable for your child’s future classroom success.
So, you can do much
to help your children “stay sharp” over the summer months. Just think ahead,
plan, and be prepared to have a wonderful summer of reading together! Next fall,
your children will thank you (and so will their teachers)!