School's out for the summer! Woo Hoo!! Time for vacation, days by the pool, sleeping in, and just a much slower paced life. It's important for families to have down-time. Those first couple of weeks after the school year ends are essential for burnout recovery. And while we need to celebrate the time and energy we put into having a successful school year, it's also important to consider how to set our kids up for success in the year ahead.
Many of us are still rebounding from the significant disruption caused by Covid-19. At its peak, UNESCO reported that nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries, or 94 percent of the world’s student population, were impacted by educational institution closures. Studies show that losses in learning may translate to greater long-term challenges. The term “learning loss” is commonly used to describe declines in student knowledge and skills. So what can we as parents and guardians do during the summer months to prevent loss of learning that will be fun? We got you covered!
Encourage reading: Reading is an excellent way to maintain and enhance language skills. Encourage your child to read regularly during the summer by providing access to a variety of books, magazines, and newspapers. Consider visiting the local library together and helping your child choose books that align with their interests.
Create a learning routine: Establishing a structured routine can help keep your child engaged in learning activities. Set aside a specific time each day for educational pursuits, such as reading, solving puzzles, or working on educational apps. Consistency is key to prevent learning loss.
Explore educational activities: Look for educational programs, summer camps, or workshops in your area that offer opportunities for learning and skill development. These activities can be focused on subjects like science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), providing an interactive and engaging learning experience for your child. World Explorers has several options to choose from!
Incorporate learning into daily life: Encourage your child to explore their surroundings and learn from their experiences. For example, during family outings or vacations, involve your child in planning, researching, and learning about the places you visit. Additionally, everyday activities like cooking, gardening, or budgeting can be turned into learning opportunities.
Embrace technology: Utilize educational websites, apps, and online resources that offer interactive and engaging learning experiences. Many online platforms provide educational content tailored to different age groups and subjects. Supervise your child's screen time to ensure they are engaging with high-quality, educational materials.
Foster curiosity and inquiry: Encourage your child's curiosity by engaging them in discussions about topics of interest. Support their questions and help them find answers through books, online resources, or by seeking guidance from experts. Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging them to analyze situations and come up with creative solutions.
Involve the community: Seek out community resources, such as local museums, libraries, and nature centers that offer educational programs or workshops for children. Participating in community events can provide new learning experiences and opportunities for social interaction.
Be a role model: Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child's attitude towards learning. Show enthusiasm for learning by sharing your own interests and knowledge with your child. Engage in discussions, explore new topics together, and demonstrate that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Remember, while it's important to prevent learning loss during the summer, it's also essential to allow your children to have a break, relax, and engage in unstructured playtime. Balancing learning activities with leisure and downtime is key to maintaining a healthy and enjoyable summer for your child!