Help your kids from experiencing brain drain during summer break.
Summer vacation is traditionally known as a time for kids to pause academic studies and just have fun. So while taking a break is important, preventing the Summer Slide is also a priority worth considering.
In 1996, the first studies of the Summer Slide showed us that kids lose large amounts of knowledge in reading and math over summer break, which can contribute to an escalation of future skills lost.
Younger kids are more at-risk of experiencing learning loss.
“In general, kids learn a lot more in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade than kids in middle school or high school. Learning follows a curve where it’s accelerated early in life and then plateaus.”
James Kim, Ed.D., an assistant professor of education at Harvard University.
Know the Numbers
Staying informed is the first step. This summer, keep your kids engaged with these four teacher-approved brain-building activities.
Read
60% of kids ages 6 to 17 say they love or like reading books for fun a lot.
Scholastic Books
Research confirms that kids gain more from reading when they actually enjoy it. Let them choose.
- Find online reading classes or self-paced reading classes like Story Time! Bunny Bear and Llama Llama and Pete the Cat.
Play
“Learning through play is about continuity; bringing together children’s spheres of life – home, school, and the wider world, and doing so over time.”
Susan MacKay, Director of Teaching and Learning at Portland Children’s Museum.
Kids’ math and vocabulary skills extend beyond worksheets. Similar learnings can be found in hobbies related to board games and sharing stories. Support math and vocabulary with S.T.E.A.M. projects and experiments, too!
- Chess Camp by New York Chess Academy
- Luck of Legends Story Game Camp by Luck of Legends
Imagine
“The imagination is absolutely vital for contemplating reality, not just those things we take to be mere fantasy.”
Paul Harris, a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Through imagination, kids expand their cognitive abilities to think, know, remember and experiment with new concepts. It may not seem like it, but they are learning. Familiar skills are being used to develop new ones.
- Roblox & Minecraft Camps by CodeREV Kids
- Art Adventure Camp by Young Art
- Super Duper Activity Kit Download (Free) by ActivityHero
Explore
Through exploration, curiosity is encouraged. With that, more experiences and interests for your kids emerge. Studies show that exploration also supports social-emotional development. New discoveries allow kids to build confidence for both independent and collaborative interactions with others. Try something new today!
- Lost in Space-Coding, Typing, Design by Computer Kids Club, LLC
- Scavenger Quest Download (Free) by ActivityHero
Be proactive with your Summer Slide prevention. Create a profile for your kid to find even more personalized camps & classes at ActivityHero.
Find more ways to keep your kids learning with 15 Last-Minute Summer Activities.