1. Let them read
2. Have your child write letters
3. Sharpen the math skills
4. “Homeschool” Your Child.
5. Go Back-to-School Shopping
6. Take a Hike . . . Go Camping!
7. Get tutored

Summer Fun With Lumos Teachers

Summer Learning loss is defined as “a loss of knowledge and skills . . . most commonly due to . . . . extended breaks [during the summertime] ” (from edglossary.org/learning-loss). Many teachers have certainly had the experience of taking the first month of school not only to introduce his or her rules and procedures to the class but also to get the kids back “up to speed” with thinking, remembering what they’ve learned . . . and in many cases, reviewing previous content. With a traditional school calendar, then, this can mean that up to 10% of the school year is spent playing catch-up.

What’s a parent to do? Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take with your child to help your son or daughter both enjoy the summer and keep those all-important skills honed and fresh:

(1)Let them read

Research supports the relationship between independent reading and student achievement, so simply having your child read daily will make a positive difference. Check out the following sources to find books & eBooks to beat the summer slide to that your child will want to dive into: your public library, local bookstores, online stores (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, half.com, etc.), and yard sales (if the family hosting the sale has children a bit older than your own, you stand a good chance of scoring discarded books that are a perfect match for your son or daughter’s reading level).

(2) Have your child write letters

Have your child write letters to out-of-town friends and family, or write postcards while on vacation. A summer journal is another way to document summer activities. For the artistic or tech-savvy child, you may choose to create a family scrapbook with captions (consider the online options at Shutterfly, Mixbook, and Smilebox). Not only will you preserve this summer’s memories, but your child will also continue to practice his or her writing skills! (See Summer is Here! Ideas to Keep Your Child’s Writing Skills Sharp for more writing ideas.)

(3) Sharpen the math skills

Think of ways your child can incorporate math skills into daily activities: have a yard sale, and put your child in charge of the cash box; help younger ones organize a lemonade stand (to practice salesmanship and making change). Or simply purchase a set of inexpensive flashcards to practice basic facts while waiting in line or on a long car ride. There’s even a host of free online games that will keep your child’s math skills sharp.

(4) “Homeschool” Your Child.

Keeping your child’s skills fresh doesn’t have to cost a fortune: check out some of the Lumos Learning workbooks and online resources (at www.lumoslearning.com/store), and your child can work through several exercises each day. Even as little as twenty minutes a day can yield positive results, and it’s easy to work in a small block of time here and there. For instance, your child can work in the book during a car ride, right before bedtime, etc. Or, simply make this part of your child’s morning routine. For example: wake up, eat breakfast, complete chores, and then work in the workbook for 20 minutes. With time, you can make this a natural habit.

(5)Go Back-to-School Shopping (For a Great Summer School Learning Experience).

Check out offerings from the big names (think Sylvan, Huntington, Mathnasium, and Kumon), and also consider local summer schools. Some school districts and local colleges provide learning programs: research the offerings online for more information regarding the available options in your area.

(6)Take a Hike . . . Go Camping!

But “camp” doesn’t always involve pitching a tent in the great outdoors. Nowadays, there are camps for every interest: sports camps, art camp, music camp, science camp, writing camp . . . the possibilities are endless! With a quick Internet search, you’ll be able to turn up multiple options that will appeal to your son or daughter. And even if these camps aren’t “academic”, the life skills and interpersonal experiences are certain to help your child succeed in the “real world”. For example, working together as a cast to put on a summer theatre production involves memorizing lines, cooperation, stage crew coordination, and commitment – all skills that can come in handy when it comes to fostering a good work ethic and the ability to collaborate with others.

(7)Get tutored.

Many teachers offer tutoring services throughout the summer months, either for individuals or small groups of students. Even the most school-averse student tends to enjoy the personal attention of a former teacher in a setting outside of the classroom. Plus, a tutor can tailor his or her instruction to pinpoint your child’s needs – so you can maximize the tutoring sessions with the skills and concepts your child needs the most help with.

Of course, you don’t need to do all seven steps to ensure that your child maintains his or her skills. Just following through with one or two of these options will go a long way toward continued learning, skills maintenance, and easing the transition to school when summer draws to a close.

Fun and Educational Summer Workbooks

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