Ahhhhhh…summer. The season of lazy days, pool time and vacation getaways, Right? Absolutely.
But it’s also the season of “brain drain,” when kids lose much of the skills and knowledge they mastered during the previous school year.
Exactly how much is lost and in what areas depends on the child, but research suggests that elementary school-aged children can lose up to three months of previously mastered skills over a dormant summer break.
“We spend the first three weeks of school reviewing material that the students learned the previous year. This must be done because it is necessary for them to have the foundation so we can build off of it in third grade,” Mendy Wilson, third grade teacher at Lillian Schumacher Elementary in Liberty, says. “This review is important; however, it does take time away from moving forward with third grade curriculum.”
Whitney Szczucinski, second grade teacher at Cambridge Elementary in Belton, considers communications arts and math to be the subject areas most affected by summer brain drain. “Children do not use those skills and/or are not asked to explain why/how they are doing things over the summer, so they have to rebuild them the next year. Think about it in terms of training for a 5K all year then stopping exercise for two months. You could not jump in and run another race. You would have to spend some time rebuilding your stamina.”
The good news is that parents can help their children retain and build knowledge over the summer, without creating a stuffy, textbook-filled atmosphere.
“Take advantage of all there is to offer in Kansas City,” Szczucinski suggests. “Public libraries, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Deanna Rose, etc. All have free or reduced-priced summer programs.”
Summer camps provide an enriching experience for kids and are a great way to combine physical activity, new skills and structure in a fun environment. Go to www.KCParent.com for a listing of area summer camps.
Home provides an abundance of opportunities for you and your kids to practice skills together. Invite your child to cook with you and have him read the recipe and measure the ingredients. Or operate a lemonade stand and have your child make change for customers.
Maintaining a level of structure and consistency is the key, Szczucinski says.
What NOT to Do This Summer
- Don’t wait until July to create a learning plan. If kids spend the first month of summer lazing around, they have already lost precious learning time. Start early by making a list of educational, fun activities for your children and formulate a plan for daily learning. Don’t be afraid to contact their teachers for ideas. Check with your local library, talk with other parents, use school resources, do whatever it takes to get a plan in place right away.
- Don’t skip reading. Wilson suggests children form their own summer book club: “For older children, Mark Twain Award winners are a good choice. They can invite their friends to join them in reading the same book. The kids can then meet weekly to discuss the assigned chapters and to do activities related to the book.”
- Don’t rely on the internet and video games (even educational ones). Children should not be expected to learn on their own with web games or a workbook, says Szczucinski. “Be an active and engaged partner in your child’s learning. Ask questions and have high expectations. Your child needs to know that you think learning is important!”
- Don’t forget to set a good example. Kids emulate what they see around them, so if parents spend hours parked in front of the computer or television, what do you think the kids will do? You can make learning a family activity by planning trips to museums and the zoo, playing board games together and turning travel time in the car into educational opportunities. Parents who frequently read also set good examples for children.
- Don’t forget to have fun. Summer is about creating happy memories, and kids will become resentful if you are forcing facts down their throats every moment. By keeping summer learning opportunities interesting and enjoyable, you will help your children stay on track and be prepared for the next school year, while having fun in the process!
Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her husband and two kids. She looks forward to a fun and educational summer with her family.