The Importance of Summer Education

The following article was contributed by Morris Street Family Resource Center Staff Joshua Giannone:

Summer has officially begun! Teachers are wrapping up their final units while their students are anxiously awaiting summer break. Many children will be leaving for family planned vacations or engaging in activities such as sports, video games or play dates. “All play and no work” seems to be the mindset of our youth during the summer months. Unfortunately, this stance can prove disadvantageous to their education. According to the Afterschool Alliance, students who do not partake in summer learning programs lose over two months worth of math and reading skills pertaining to their grade level (2010). Therefore, the beginning of the following school year must be spent on reviewing past lessons instead of new material.

            However, summer learning loss can be easily prevented. Numerous research has suggested that educational programs between the months of June through August can help alleviate this problem (Cooper, 2003). Here are some helpful tips to keep your child excited about learning during their summer vacation:

• Enroll your child in a summer learning program such as a camp offered by museums, zoos, and science programs. These camps focus on "hands on learning".  
• Take advantage of summer school or reading programs that may be offered to your child through their public school or library. Most often they are free and some provide breakfast and lunch.
• Not all learning must be entirely academic based. Have your child join a group sport. They will learn cooperation as well as boost their social skills.
• Vacations can be a great learning experience. Instead of taking a trip to an amusement park, choose a location with historical importance.
• For students in the Danbury Public Schools, The Danbury Public Schools’ Extended Learning Program offers Sunsational Summer each year.  This enrichment program includes field trips, presenters and a variety of activities for children in 1st-6th grade.
• Have your child read to you every day.  If your child is older, select a certain amount of chapters for him/her to read and give your child a specific time frame to complete the assignment.

Have a great summer from the Morris Street Family Resource Center!

Sources:

Afterschool, A. (2010). Summer: A Season when Learning Is Essential. Issue Brief No. 43. Afterschool Alliance,

Cooper, H., & ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, C. L. (2003). Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions. ERIC Digest.