Meaning Matters

Swings or Slides?

How to have fun and avoid the summer slide

Do your kids like to slide in summer? Us too, but avoid the “summer slide!”

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described summer learning loss as “devastating.” Researchers often refer to this as the “summer slide.” It is estimated that school summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected (Cooper, 1996).

What can be done to avoid the summer slide?

PLAY with your child and make the most of everyday opportunities. As you drive to the beach, listen to your favorite songs. Encourage the children to sing along. Play your favorite again and again. It builds fluency, rhythm, and rhyme. Play “I Spy” and make it as advanced as necessary. For example you could look for something living, something green, a type of deciduous tree, a vehicle with more than 6 wheels, etc. Tailor the activity to your children’s interests and meet them where they are.

Every day opportunities

             - Read everyday objects (cereal boxes, menus, street signs, business signs)

              - Play with language

                               o SING- your favorites and theirs!

                               o Categories- brainstorm desserts, things you pack when camping,  animals you’d see in a warm climate, states in our country, favorite books/ authors)

                                o Rhyme

               - Brainstorm connections

               - Count things (silverware, people, snacks, portions)

                             • Older kids can skip count by 2s, 5s, 10s, 3s, or any other number

               - Help follow a map or directions to your destination (print 2!)

Structure- Routine is the key to success!

How do you build routine?

               ** Set aside a specific time of day that will work for your family. Some kids are ready and eager first thing in the morning and after breakfast would be the perfect time. Others need a quiet activity before dinner.

               ** Place all the materials that you might need in a box near the spot where you work.

 What can you do with your child?

1. Read daily – read to your kids and have your kids read to you

2. Write a few times a week- meaningful writing

                   - Letters to family members/ friends

                   - Postcards

                   - Shopping lists

                   - Journal entries

3. Math fact practice a few times a week

            - Research shows automaticity of facts allows for greater mathematical success

            -  Use flash cards, fun songs, or xtramath

What will your summer look like so you avoid the summer slide?