Summer is almost here. Woohoo! Here comes the sun, the fun… and the dreaded summer slide! Uh Oh.
Studies show that there is a significant amount of learning loss a child experiences over the summer. This loss can have a significant effect on their education and their ability to keep up with their class. But, as parents, family members, and friends, there is a lot we can do to help prevent, and even reverse the effect of the summer slide.
Tip #1: Read, read, and then read some more.
1) Visit your local library and get lost in the world of books available. Speak to your librarian if you are looking for specific books that meet your child’s interest. If you don’t see the books you would like to read, make a request. Many libraries will make an effort to stock books requested by its visitors.
2) Read some great books. If your child enjoyed reading Feyi Fay and the Case of the Mysterious Madam Koi Koi, here are some other books he/she might like:
3) Subscribe to a kid’s magazine. Kids love fiction, but it’s always helpful to throw in a little non-fiction into the mix every now and then. Try the Ask Magazine to help with that. With this magazine, kids get to investigate the world with past and present inventors, artists, thinkers, and scientists.
4) Read on demand with your child. Reading doesn’t have to be just books. When you are out grocery shopping, have them read the labels. Or even better, have them write the shopping list. When you are in a restaurant, have them read the menu. They can read road signs, movie tickets, and the list goes on and on.
Here’s to a great summer!