Surviving the Summer Slide with Learning Support

Summer holidays bring excitement and adventure. Students look forward to their days off, knowing the long months will offer respite from their school year. What they do not understand is that whilst those days may relax and energise, they can also stress them academically.

Summer learning loss, also known as the summer slide, can occur quickly during the summer. Many students can go an entire summer without even picking up a book. This can be extremely detrimental to a child’s learning progress and may need learning support to make up the loss.

When children mentally go on holiday for the summer, they are often at risk of losing one to three months of education. These students enter the classroom in the New Year significantly behind their classmates. This makes it challenging for educators to meet the needs of their students. As a parent though, you have the ability to minimise that academic loss.

Learning Support at Home

Learning begins in the home but parents do not have to be educators to support that learning; you can do so by extending your children’s summer activities. Have them find a book about the play they are studying at drama camp. Participation in a summer football or rugby camp can be turned into a journaling activity. Maths can be practised through a trip to the grocery store. Turn any experience into a learning opportunity

Learning Support Through the Library

Reading is arguably one of the most important components of your children’s education. Local libraries present opportunities to participate in reading programmes, group discussions, or other literacy events. Use your local library to find grade level appropriate books and activities.

Learning Support Through Summer Programmes

Sometimes though, children need more support than can be received at home. Between your work hours, a lack of resources or simply not knowing where to focus, you can be overwhelmed. If that occurs, reach out to an established summer school programme. There are numerous to choose from.

Perhaps look at our online directory or in our printed magazine’s clubs and classes directory. Enrolling your children in a vibrant and authentic programme may be the perfect opportunity to revise learning from the previous school year, extend learning and prepare for future challenges such as entrance exams.