Slide Into Learning This Summer
Summer is finally here! The school year is over, the days are warmer and longer, and the frantic morning rush is paused until August. Amongst all the fun summer plans, from vacations to lounge time at home, there is often a nagging thought in the back of many educators ’and parents ’minds, and it’s the anxiety of the summer slide.
During the summer, students often experience a loss in learning and reading ability. Between vacations with family, playtime, and other activities, practicing these essential skills can sometimes go on the back burner.
Luckily, there are fun and easy ways to keep students on track and sharpen their skills for the next grade.
Here are some essential strategies to keep young minds connected to learning over the summer and help them maintain, and sharpen, critical skills before returning to the classroom this fall.
Keep Students Engaged in Reading Reading is one of the most effective strategies for preventing summer learning loss. But keeping young readers engaged on task can be tricky since there’s so much competition for their attention during the break.
Picture and early chapter books are perfect for younger readers building their skills. For your reluctant readers, ensuring they have access to high-interest books over the summer is incredibly important. Popular and age-appropriate graphic novels and kid favorites will capture their attention and ensure even your most reluctant readers experience the joy of summer reading.
Take Learning On the Go Students can sharpen their skills anywhere, whether lounging poolside, hanging out in a living room fort, or squeezing in the back of a car with siblings during a family road trip.
For younger learners, early-learning workbooks will help students in grades PreK-K reach essential milestones and ensure they’re ready for the next steps in their early learning journey.
This summer, students in grades 1-2 will love fun and engaging workbooks to sharpen their reading, science, and math skills. For those older elementary students in grades 3-5, skill-building workbooks will help them master everything they need to achieve academic success in the fall.
Of course, there are several digital platforms that provide learning opportunities through educational games, and learning apps. These are available for all ages Pre-K-12. If screen time is a concern, be sure to provide a variety of opportunities including hands-on learning, multi-
sensory activities and online learning. For middle and high-school-aged students, try finding an epic book series that they will enjoy reading and can’t put down!
Empower Independent Learning For many students, summer is all about independence, which makes it the perfect time for them to begin taking ownership of their learning. Consider a teachable activity. Several education companies offer ready-to-go activity books or programs that meet the needs of individual learners.
Explore and Enjoy Use summertime to your advantage. Educational opportunities can be found every day, whether making slime in the backyard, visiting the local library, or exploring and learning about a new place while on vacation. Learning is fun and should be fun for students, especially in the summertime. Find the teachable moments, utilize them, and enjoy the sunshine.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger Â
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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