Every year as summer approaches, parents and teachers across the country worry the summer slide. The phenomenon of some students regressing academically during the school months is believed to affect younger children and children from low-income families in particular. And it was already a problem after good, normal, non-pandemic school years.
Nobody is really sure what will happen to a whole generation of children who have just had what is arguably the toughest and most ineffective school year of their lives. However, it is safe to say that those who are normally at risk of summer learning loss are even more at risk this year. These kids – all kids, really – would almost certainly benefit from some academic work in the summer. Here are some ideas to keep them studying, depending on what’s available in your area.
Register them for the actual summer school
No child I have ever met appreciates the combination of the words “summer” and “school”. However, after a year of distance learning, they may heat up to the idea faster than you think. Summer school programs offered through public school districts (and may also be available to charter and private students within the district) often include a combination of academic teaching and extracurricular activities. They provide an opportunity not only to educate children about academic skills, but also to provide them with the long-awaited opportunity to interact face-to-face with their peers.
And than that Washington Post According to reports, many districts are expanding their summer school programs to be available to all students right now, simply because of the sheer number of children struggling during the pandemic:
“Traditionally, the summer school was a program for children who didn’t do well in school in order to reconcile. This year will be different because now it applies to everyone, ”said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators.
Students who need to attend a summer session to receive missing credits for graduation can still do so. Domenech says many districts are also targeting elementary school students who need extra help keeping up with their peers and students with special needs who were unable to get the personal tuition they needed during the pandemic.
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Your district website is likely to provide information on building your local summer school program and registration details. However, you can also ask your school principal about it. You should also speak to your child’s teacher for input on whether they think participation is necessary or beneficial.
Resume your child’s Learning Pod (or start a new one)
When we realized that the school would be largely (if not entirely) virtual that school year, many families decided to start small schools. “Learn pods“So that your children can interact and learn personally with a smaller group and in a safer environment. Once you’ve done this, an easy way to keep them busy all summer without committing to a full summer school schedule is for the pod to keep meeting regularly.
My own 10 year old has been doing this with a group of three or four other children throughout the pandemic. It’s part of learning and part of playing for a few hours a week, and even though the kids are now back to school every four days a week, we still bring them together on days off.
When a summer learning pod fits well, Here are some tips to get you started.
Let children read in the summer
Unless you’re doing anything else academically this summer, one of the best things to focus on is reading. Reading is most likely a priority for them if you provide entertaining incentives. Hence, your own local library’s summer reading program is a good place to start. Scholastic is also hosting one virtual summer reading program That offers free stories, games, and virtual rewards.
Do you know what else motivates children to read? Pizza, that’s what. Pizza Hut is again offering its beloved BOOK IT! program, where preschoolers through sixth grade can read books to get free certificates.
If none of this is noticeable, we also have other tips on how to do it Create your own summer reading program at home.
