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Key points:
- The “Summer Slide” refers to learning losses that happen during the summer
- Reading just 6 books can help prevent reading losses
- Encourage your child to read everything, from magazines and newspapers to websites
- Listen to audiobooks
- Enroll your child in the FLEX Summer Program or S.M.A.R.T. Summer Literacy Program
As the school year wraps up in South Florida, your plans are probably turning to vacations and summer camps for your children. It’s also important to ensure your child doesn’t experience the learning loss known as the summer slide while school is in recess.
What is the summer slide, and how can you avoid it? We offer 3 tips to turn this summer into a season of learning.
Understanding the summer slide
The summer slide is a term we use to describe the learning losses that often occur during the summer break. Many children lose knowledge in reading and math in those weeks off from school. In fact, students in 3rd-5th grades lose about 20% of reading gains and 27% of math gains during the summer. They might not be able to make up for those losses in the fall, which can impact them throughout the next school year.
The problem this year is compounded by another phenomenon known as the COVID slide. Since many students have been attending virtual school, the learning losses could be even steeper.
How can you help your child avoid learning losses? Here are a few ideas.
Tip 1: Read six books
Encouraging your child to read during the summer can help reduce reading proficiency and comprehension losses.
Let your child choose the books, but make sure they’re not too hard or too easy. Start by visiting your local library. You can ask the librarian for suggestions in choosing books that are right for their age, interest, and reading level.
Tip 2: Always keep reading
There are other ways to keep your child reading that doesn’t necessarily include books. Have your child read articles in the newspaper or magazines. You can search for dinner recipes together and then have your child read out the instructions to you when you make it.
Try playing school and make your child the teacher. Have him or her write out lessons and read them out loud to you. You can also mix up your nightly routine by having your child read you a bedtime story.
Tip 3: Listen to audiobooks
Audiobooks are very popular these days. They can make long car road trips more interesting and engage your child with language in a new way. It’s also a good way to introduce new vocabulary and concepts.
Summer learning options at The Learning Lab
You might be worried about learning losses or your child might need extra help in certain subjects after a challenging year. Or perhaps your child has a learning difference such as dyslexia or ADHD.
No matter your situation, The Learning Lab can help. Our specialized programs, including the FLEX Summer Program and S.M.A.R.T. Literacy Program, are designed to help students catch up if they’ve fallen behind or avoid the summer slide.
FLEX Summer Program
Our FLEX Summer Program is designed for students who need a little extra help in certain subjects or to maintain academic momentum.
We offer practice in the following areas:
- Math
- Writing
- Reading comprehension
- Reading fluency
The program is tailored to each child’s unique needs and challenges. As the name implies, the program allows for flexible summer schedules.
Available Times/Days:
Monday – Friday from 1 p.m.– 4 p.m.
S.M.A.R.T. Summer Literacy Program
Our S.M.A.R.T. Summer Literacy Program is designed for students who are a year or more behind in reading and/or writing. We use SMART Goals and the FITT Principle to ensure your child can learn.
Who may benefit from the S.M.A.R.T. Program:
- Children who have been diagnosed with dyslexia
- Children who have been diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
- Children who have been diagnosed with other learning or processing disorders
Find summer learning support for your child
If your child needs extra help, The Learning Lab is here. We offer in-person tutoring and virtual learning tools to help children avoid learning loss or catch up if they’ve fallen behind. From our S.M.A.R.T. Summer and FLEX Summer Programs to our eLearning Lab, you can find the educational resources your child needs right here in South Florida.
Contact us today to reserve your spot in one of our summer programs.
