As a teacher, I feel very proud at the end of the school year because of the growth in learning that my students have shown. But, I am also aware of the “summer slump” many students experience. Many times when I test student reading skills when we return back to school, their levels have gone down since the end of the last school year. Some students, more than others. Most parents don’t ask me what they can do over the summer to keep their children learning. Some parents let me know that they have bought lots of work books for their child to work on over the summer. I think it’s important to balance a child’s learning over the summer to include fun activities as well as paper and pencil tasks if that’s what your child needs. After all, the point of learning in the first place is so that these children will grow up and get a good job, live a happy, functional life and most importantly, be a good citizen. Being able to do this requires more than just a book and a pencil.
This was great for rainy days. But what about those HOT summer days? Children can also be part of family BBQ by learning outside cooking skills or setting the table (counting place settings etc).
When parents model reading and writing at home (by both Mom AND Dad), children learn that those things are part of daily life – not just things they do at school.
6. READING AND WRITING
Imagine the multitude of times/places/reasons for reading and writing through the summer! My own children always had a writer’s notebook or journal with them. It used to lay around everywhere to be picked up upon inspiration. Kids learn so much by doing their own writing.
Bringing books on road trips or camping trips can be a real life saver for parents and prevent boredom in the kids. (Pack a flashlight!)
7. When my kids were little we camped a lot. Is that one of your fun family vacations too?
Think back to all the learning I discussed above. All of that learning can be put together during a camping experience!! I guess that is why I used to love camping so much! Real life learning at its best!!
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Wonderful post, Shelley. I'm Tailwinding it daily for June! Have an excellent end to your school year! 😉
Thanks so much! I just love seeing kids learning through the summer with their parents. It's not just about books! 🙂