You’ve heard the term before: Summer Learning Loss. A recent study in the American Education Research Journal by Atteberry and McEachin (2021) found that over half of students in grades one through six lost an average of 39% of their school year reading gains during the summer! While summer varies for every family, these setbacks can add up, leading to a noticeable decline in academic achievement. That’s why we’re sharing seven crucial tips that educators can share with their students’ families to keep kids learning even when school’s out.
Reading aloud books that are slightly above a child’s reading level can boost their vocabulary and knowledge. Caregivers, family members, or other adults can take on this role. It’s helpful if the reader thinks out loud and engages the child in conversation to share their thoughts. Kids can’t hear what’s happening in the skilled reader’s head, so verbalizing your thoughts can be a real eye-opener for them!
Summertime is for relaxing, but it's also important to set aside time each day for smart play. This includes activities like puzzle building, board games, or playing cards. Kids can also get crafty with coloring, painting, building, or doing word searches and crossword puzzles. These activities support cognitive development and are easy to start. Here are some creative twists on classic games:
Libraries are community hubs, filled with reading programs and incentives to get a child reading! Direct caregivers to their local library here to see what the community offers this summer.
Flyleaf Publishing offers free online decodable books for children to read and discuss with a parent, stuffed animal, pet, or sibling! Parents of emergent readers can practice early literacy skills at Starfall.
From May 4 through September 7th, kids can visit Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital tool with stories, book-based games, live author events, and a community of readers.
In addition, for young readers, consider the YouTube show, “Reading Buddies.” This show, similar to educational TV shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers, will also boost your child’s literacy exposure.
Looking for a free alternative to Audible? Try Libby! This free service connects to your local library card and offers digital books and audiobooks. When listening to audiobooks, choose ones that are more complex than what your child can read on their own to boost their vocabulary and world knowledge.
Take a vacation anywhere using these great science and social studies resources:
There are several things families can do over the summer to help keep their school children from losing the skills they learned during the school year. By implementing these seven tips, families can ensure their children continue to thrive academically, making the most of the summer break.
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About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and evidence-based practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.