TEACHING
KAM ELLIS M . ED Owner / Center Director Mathnasium of Southshore
SUMMER MATTERS : How to Keep Students Learning
and Growing
Now that school is out for the summer , parents are the catalyst for making sure their children continue to keep their minds and bodies active during summertime . Why does summertime learning matter so much this year ? Well , students not only can face summer learning loss , but also the effects of gaps in instruction as a result of the pandemic . The harsh reality is , many children will return to school below grade level .
Going into a new school year , students should be confident in their abilities to succeed . Kids should not feel defeated or unsure of themselves . The extra push during the summer , can make a great deal of difference for them .
In a research study of the COVID-19 impact on education , it was found that learning losses in math were greater than reading in every state . They hypothesized that this is due to the fact that children may use reading and language in their daily lives more frequently .
Think about the areas your child had difficulty with this year . Unless they have mastered those concepts , those gaps are likely still there . The next grade level builds upon previous content , and I ’ m sure you can see where the problems may arise . In every grade level , there are certain standards that must be taught . When there are gaps from previous years , it can be difficult to address those along with current content in the classroom .
With over 60 days of summer , there are opportunities for fun as well as forward thinking . Parents can help keep their children learning in ways that are as fun as they are educational . Finding the Right Programs Research shows that students who take part in highquality summer learning programs improve in their academic achievement .
• Summer academic programs should build student mastery . They should be individualized for your child with specific goals for them .
• A summer academic program should last at least one month - giving kids enough time to benefit fully from their summer learning experiences .
• Based on the students needs , the program should fill in instructional gaps , preview content for the upcoming school year , and offer challenging material to advanced students .
• Along with academic programs , be sure to involve kids in activities in which they have social interactions and physical fitness . Even if it ’ s hanging out with family members , the goal is for them to have less screen time on cell phones , computers , and tv . Its best for parents to take a proactive approach in preparing for the upcoming school year . The summer provides time and opportunity to work on academic skills . A great summer program can provide your child with the tools they need to start the school year off strong and confident .
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