Tips To Avoid Summer Learning Loss Now That School Is Out

These Easy Tips To Avoid Summer Learning Loss are here to help you make summer learning fun for your kids so they can transition back to school easily.

Well, it seems like we have made it through our first school year under the new Common Core Standards. The end of the school year is the perfect time to reflect on how we can better help our kids now that we know what to expect. Many families are looking forward to taking a break from the rigorous curriculum and just enjoying the summer. But after you’ve had some time to unwind with the kids, try and incorporate some learning into your days to avoid summer learning loss and to stay on top of the Common Core.

Below are some suggestions to help your child stay focused this summer and prevent the summer slide.

Tips To Avoid Summer Learning Loss

1.) Build Vocabulary

One simple way to help your child stay ahead is to incorporate a strong vocabulary into your conversations. Common Core emphasizes a higher level of vocabulary than previously taught in school. Kids as young as kindergarten are expected to know big words like metamorphosis and observations. It helps if kids are exposed to these words at home. While at the beach, talk about the habitats of the sand crabs and sea gulls. Take an evening walk and discuss the phases of the moon. Don’t be afraid to introduce kids as young as two to big words. You’d be surprised what little kids are capable of understanding. The more vocabulary our kids are exposed to, the easier time they will have when faced with challenging words in school.

2.) Become Math Geeks

Let’s face it, some of us are just not math people, right? All kids have to have basic number sense in order to be successful in school. It is imperative to find ways to incorporate math into your family routines. This does not mean that you have to sit with endless flashcards and math books. The trick is to have your kids doing math every day without them knowing it. I am constantly asking my kids to tell me what time it is just to give them the practice reading an analog clock. Let kids use cash while shopping. They need practice using money and making the change. When handing out snacks, tell them they can have ¼ of the cookies on the table and make them figure out how many that is. And most importantly, kids in third grade and above MUST memorize multiplication facts. Have your kids practice one set at a time (ex: 3’s, 4’s, etc) until they master them.

3.) Get Them Excited About Reading

Now that school is out, let them read whatever they want! Kids need to know that reading is actually a fun thing that adults do in their free time. Set aside time each day for reading, either together or independently. Let your kids see you reading. You are the most important role model and when kids see parents reading, they are more likely to become lifelong readers. Sign up for summer reading clubs at your local library or bookstore. Read a book together as a family and then treat yourselves to the movie version when you all finish. Whatever you do, try to make it fun.

The most important thing you can do as a parent to stay on top of the Common Core is to teach your children that learning is one of the best gifts in life. Be a part of the learning process to help motivate your child and you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy the transition is back to school in September.

Thank for Reading!

Anne

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