School’s out for the summer- but does learning ever take a break?
As tempting as it can be to give in to the fun of long summer days filled with rest and relaxation, not providing children with enough intellectual stimulation can come at the cost of a significant slide in their academic performance.
Simply put, students fare best when learning is continuous. Especially during their early education phase – the Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) years. The summer months interrupt the repetition of school time routines, with children often forgetting concepts that they are used to putting into practice constantly during the school year.
Research has shown that a lack of summertime learning can have detrimental consequences on math and reading skills that children have developed over the course of the academic year. Technical subject skills such as mathematics are most affected, with a 1996 study finding that in the United States, the average child loses more than two months’ worth of mathematical knowledge over the course of an academically stagnant summer. (Cooper et al, 1996.) Without consistent practice, spelling and reading skills similarly suffer, another study by the same researchers found.
It is therefore important to keep your children’s minds active and engaged all summer long. As parents, there are many ways to do this, including maintaining a summer reading list, journaling, visiting museums or involving your children in new hobbies and activities such as sports or volunteering. Enrolling them in skills-based summer camps and courses is also a great way to make sure that both old and new academic concepts are being reinforced, making children better prepared to handle the challenges of the upcoming school year and keeping them ahead of their peers. Parents in Plano, Frisco, Irving, Grapevine and in other areas of the Dallas Metroplex have options to choose from at their local recreation centers.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to remember that summertime presents a unique opportunity to keep your child on what should be a constant journey of learning and discovery. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between education and enjoyment!
Looking for specific programs to help keep your children engaged academically this summer? Local recreation centers could be a great resource. Look up centers such as the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center; Frisco Athletic Center; the Rec of Grapevine; the Mustang Park Recreation Center; and Cimarron Park Recreation Center for Pre-K reading, math and science education delivered as fun and engaging classes.
Blog authored by: RARE Learning – Early Achiever’s Program, Pre-K reading, Math and science program for summer 2018
