Summer Learning

Summer is just around the corner and many families are thinking about taking advantage of this extended block of time to enroll their children in one or more of the many summer learning options available in their communities. It makes sense to think carefully and plan ahead in order to meet the learning needs of your child while accomplishing overall family needs and goals, and now is a good time to make some decisions.

Once you have identified some good options and determined your family goals, take action! Many summer learning programs fill up quickly. Be sure that your child feels that he/she is involved with summer decisions and is willing to work with you to accomplish mutual goals. Be sure to communicate to your child that it is possible to establish clear, realistic goals and a structured schedule, yet still work in flexibility and plenty of time for summer fun.

Children do forget some of the skills learned during the previous year during the summer break and teachers typically need to spend the first weeks of school re-teaching material that students have lost during extended breaks from school. For students who already struggle to keep up in one or more academic areas, summer is an excellent time to catch-up and/or practice basic skills in math, writing and/or reading in order to avoid struggling as he/she begins a new year. Summer break is also is a great time to pursue enrichment activities and to give a child who excels in learning, an opportunity to advance in areas of interest and/or to learn/practice new skills.

Typical summer learning choices to consider include summer school, summer classes, and/or all day enrichment programs through local schools, day camps and/or overnight camp programs. Many programs offer both recreational and learning options. Intensive learning through summer school and/or one-on-one tutoring is the best choice for a child who is up to two years behind in any academic area. Be sure that the intensive program you choose is what your child needs. It is sometimes better to enroll a child in a different kind of program rather than the sane one he/she has not been successful with at school.

All children can benefit from occasional summer classes and/or structured learning, especially they are not yet fluent with grade level reading, writing and/or math facts. Your child’s current teacher should be a good source of ideas for summer learning and/or enrichment goals and suggestions for summer programs to consider. Your child’s current teacher or upcoming grade level teacher may also have specific suggestions for literature books to read during the summer months.

Practicing and improving already learned skills and/or getting a jump start in preparing for required skills needed for a new grade level through summer learning can boost your child's self-esteem as he/she learns and practices skills needed to ensure academic success in the coming school year.

You can find a tutor here to help your child stay on top of academic skills over the summer.