Monday, July 4, 2011

Summer brain drain strategies

Research studies have shown that students lose one to three months’ worth of learning over the summer. One finding is that students typically score lower on the same standardized test given at the end of the summer than they do at the beginning of the summer.
A variety of strategies may be used to help prevent this “brain drain.” Find out what educational programs will be offered in your area over the summer.
Usually the administrators at your child’s school will have information about opportunities for summer learning.
Ask your child’s teacher for some “over the summer” practical ideas that will help reinforce classroom learning and relate to specific subject areas. Many teachers are now sending home summer learning packets designed to help develop and maintain skills over the vacation.
Be sure to make regular trips to your local library. Most libraries schedule special summer events, such as reading clubs and contests, story times, computer sessions and other learning activities that are fun, as well as educational.
Along with visiting the library, be sure to keep a variety of interesting, hobby-related reading material, including books, newspapers and magazines around your house. Encourage and model leisure-time reading in the home. Schedule a family reading time, even if it is only 10 minutes daily. Plan a “turn off the TV and electronic games” night. Reading should be an enjoyable experience in which the entire family can participate.
Write daily short notes to your child and encourage written responses. Reading and writing are complementary skills that reinforce each other. It’s no accident that the world’s greatest authors are also voracious readers.
Research studies have also shown that students lose math skills over the summer, in some cases, to an even greater extent than reading skills. Try to plan activities that require both reading and math skills. Examples include reading a recipe and measuring ingredients, building a kite and reading directions for assembling a new toy.
A learning-filled summer should also be fun. Children who find joy in discovery and learning are well on their way to becoming lifelong learners. As parents, we can model and support this goal by being actively involved year-round in our child’s growth and academic achievement. Helping to insure that summer learning occurs is one way to keep this end in sight and prepare for the start of a new school year.
Dr. Ron Theel is a retired Syracuse City School District administrator with more than 30 years experience in public education. He lives in Marcellus.

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