We’ve all heard of summer slide… and we know it’s a real problem. But, what if we could flip the whole thing and actualize a “climb” in student achievement and retention over the summer? That would be every teacher’s dream!
Well, it’s possible… it just takes a determined effort on the part of our students to avoid summer learning loss. Which is, of course, the catch. We all know- knowledge is power. Is it time to have a heart to heart with our students and explain to them exactly what happens if they do nothing over the summer break? I think it’s worth a shot!
Oxford learning shares statistics that just 2-3 hours per week of challenging brain activity will prevent summer learning loss. That’s around 30 minutes 5 times a week. Not much at all – maybe a couple chapters in a book?
Here are 3 simple no cost strategies to keep your students from the inevitable summer slide.
- Read.Read. READ. Most research suggests 6 books read during the summer will keep a struggling reader from falling behind. Remember not too hard and not too easy.
- Read ever day. Do something at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Maybe a puzzle at breakfast, a project (cooking something) at lunch, and then reading a few chapters after dinner.
- Use reviews to help keep them sharp – you can find free summer learning games all over our site!
Don’t miss this new article on summer learning ideas and a great place to find first grade language arts summer help!
