Are you looking for ways to prevent the summer slide? Set your kid up for success this fall with these fool-proof strategies.
Have you ever gone on vacation, only to have completely forgotten your computer password just a week later? The same thing happens to kids when they go on summer break. The knowledge and skills that they learned just months ago are now lost. So each year, teachers spend precious days going back over last year’s material before moving on to new and exciting topics.
That short review period can be tough for kids who don’t remember the material at all. And what’s worse, they’re probably going to be behind once the class moves on to new material thanks to the summer slide.
Don’t let your kids be one of the victims of the summer slide.
What is the summer slide?
The summer slide is the phenomenon where children lose academic skills over the summer. Studies show kids who are in school all year round do not experience this loss of academic skill.
Why is the summer slide a problem?
The summer slide means rework. Teachers and children have to spend time going back over last year’s material to make sure everyone is caught up.
Children are less prepared for the next grade than when they ended the last school year, which can cause difficulty in adjusting and prevent them from catching on to new material.
12 Fool-Proof Ways to Prevent the Summer Slide
To help your kids maintain their knowledge and skills, here are 12 fool-proof ways to prevent the summer slide.
Strictly Limit Screen Time
Screen time is a huge issue in the summer. TV, PC games, and tablets have all been shown to prevent kids from acquiring new skills. Strictly limit their screen time using an app like Bark.
Make Reading a Requirement Every Day
If you only do one thing to prevent the summer slide, make it this one. Reading is the single most valuable activity you can do to prevent the summer slide. It also has other benefits, like making your kids smarter, more creative, and more empathetic.
Offer Challenges
Challenges require critical thinking skills. Create challenges around topics your kids are interested in. For example, if your kid loves telling jokes, challenge them to put together a 30-minute standup routine over the summer. Then let them perform it for the family! If your child. If your child is a great creative writer, challenge them to write a novel by the end of summer.
Require Writing Every Day
Kids don’t write enough. Studies show that the use of writing prompts can prevent kids from losing academic skills. Plus, it will improve their handwriting.
Get Kids in the Kitchen Daily
Kitchen skills are a great way to help kids continue learning through the summer. Putting together recipes and making meals requires critical thinking skills, math skills, and creativity.
Have Kids Set a Summer Goal
Goal setting is a great activity to do with kids. It fosters intrinsic motivation, encourages them to explore their interests, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
RELATED: Why every parent needs a summer schedule for their kids
Find Ways to Incorporate Math
It sounds difficult, but there are plenty of easy ways to incorporate math into your summer. Include kids in baking projects where they have to use fractions. You could also give them a building project where they have to measure, cut, and/or secure materials together (like a birdhouse). Or you could simply get an age-appropriate math workbook and have them do a page a day.
Encourage Acts of Kindness
It might not seem related, but generosity can help them grow and learn over the summer. Encourage kids to do something kind for their family, friends or neighbors over the summer – it will make them more empathetic and build their self-esteem.
Do Puzzles
Puzzles help kids to develop their problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning. They’re a fun way to keep kids’ brains working over the summer.
Play Board Games
Many board games offer educational opportunities, like reading, rhyming, and math. Board games like Monopoly can even help kids understand money.
Visit Public Parks & Pools
Outdoor play is great for kids’ brains! It’s a way to explore and learn while they have fun. Physical activities promote healthy bodies and brains.
Give Kids Tasks with No Instructions
Giving kids a task with no instructions is a great way to encourage problem-solving. You might say, “I don’t care how you do it, but by the end of the day, please have the linen closet tidy and organized. You can use any of the organizing bins in the basement.” It’s a great way to keep them busy and boost their brainpower.
RELATED: What is unschooling? Everything you need to know about independent learners.
The Bottom Line
The summer slide is preventable. Use these 12 strategies to keep your kid’s from taking steps back in their educational journey.
What You Should Do Next…
1. Snag Our Connected Parent Challenge
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2. Join Our Free Online Community
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3. Take a Free 60-Minute Parenting Webinar
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