Summer slide is a phenomenon that has been studied since the early days of our education system. It refers to the tendency of children to lose some of their learning over the summer vacation because they do not receive the same intellectual stimulation they got during the school year. The result is that many teachers must spend time each fall remediating lost knowledge from the prior year before they can start teaching the current year’s curriculum.
Sadly, lower income children are likely to suffer much more from summer slide than middle and upper income children. Studies show that while more privileged children tend to lose about one month of learning, lower income children are likely to lose three or more months of knowledge. Why the difference? Lower income parents are less likely to be educated themselves, less likely to have books for their children, have fewer resources to provide enriching cultural experiences, and less likely to engage their children in stimulating conversation.
Preventing summer slide doesn’t have to feel regimented like school, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Just look for creative ways to keep your child’s mind active. Here are a few simple suggestions to help your child stay ahead of the curve instead of behind:
· Limit television and video games. Instead, encourage your child to visit the library regularly to check out books that are of high interest to them.
· Talk with your child about what he or she has read. Ask questions about the characters, what happened in the story and why.
· Cook with your child to reinforce measurement and following directions.
· Read the newspaper together and discuss current events.
· If you take a trip, you can engage your child in learning to read maps, discovering geography, and seeing how cultures and climates differ from place to place.
· When you have a backyard party, engage your child in the planning and shopping: How many people will attend? How much food is needed? What will it cost? Where can you get the best prices?
Most children will enjoy these activities, but if your child resists, just remind them: The brain is like a muscle – if you don’t use it, you lose it!
Thanks to our NE Florida Regional Director, Amy Copeland for writing this article.
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