For most children, summer means no homework, playtime and relaxation. However, CAPS encourages parents to keep learning in mind amidst all the fun. According to the National Summer Learning Association, all students experience learning loss over the summer months - about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills, and for low-income students, about two months in reading achievement too.
Summer camps, sports camps and learning programs can be great resources to keep young brains engaged, but there are fun and inexpensive alternatives to consider as well. SchoolFamily.com suggests that to keep up on math and wellness skills, parents should ask children to plan a picnic for the family. Give them a budget to stick to and ask them to keep track of nutritional value. On road trips, involve children in the navigation by using maps and road signs to see how far you’ve traveled and how much of the trip is left. To keep literary skills alive, ask children to keep a journal of exciting summer adventures. Have them practice reading by enlisting younger siblings or older relatives as an audience.
In addition, many public libraries offer summer reading programs. Beyond just encouraging children to read, these programs often offer discussion groups or activities that enhance the experience of reading the book and offer valuable social time. State parks are another great option to teach children about nature while enjoying the warm weather. With a little creativity, the summer can be both fun and a great learning experience for your children!
