Expert Advice for Parents on Avoiding Brain Drain and Summer Learning Loss

Did you know that according to a Johns Hopkins study regarding summer learning loss that students can have on an average 2 months or more of learning loss during their summer vacation? "Two-thirds of the ninth grade achievement gap can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities during the elementary school years," according to Summer Learning Loss.org.

Fast Facts about Summer Learning Loss

All students experience some form of learning loss during the summer vacation months when they do not participate in educational opportunities. Only about 10% of children in the United States do educational programs or learning services during the summer months. According to a study at the Johns Hopkins Summer Learning Loss program, conducted in partnership with Sylvan Learning Centers, 56% of children actually want to participate in educational opportunities throughout the summer. Last, but not least, research indicates that teachers can spend between 4-6 weeks teaching children the material they have forgotten over the summer.

Other summer facts you should know:

Many children between the ages of 6-11 are left unsupervised over the summer. Summer months are when many children are left to their own devices for their meals and snacks, meaning nutritional needs may not be met and studies show that out of school breaks like summer vacation is a dangerous time for students. Lower income students tend to have more summer learning loss and difficulties than higher income students. The organization "Summer Learning Loss states, "More than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities."

What can parents do to avoid summer learning loss or "brain drain?"

It would be nice if there was a year round calendar in more school districts, modified calendars or summer learning programs available in our schools but since there are not many available to parents we are quite often left to our own devices. Here are some tips from experts to help you help your child avoid summer learning loss.

Read with your children, to your children and encourage reading alone. Many libraries and business provide summer reading incentives from certificates to prizes and gift cards.

Get a copy of the recommended summer reading list from your school district. If you can't; most libraries will have one available to you. Note the names of authors your children enjoy and go back for more.

Use incentives to get them involved in academic programs (ok maybe it's bribery but it works). Reward their involvement with a special day, event or even have them work toward a special toy or video game they want.

Participate in activities that you can't fit in during your normal year, like going to the park or museum. Many museums offer free family days throughout the summer months making this an inexpensive learning opportunity. Other interest could include cooking or gardening, both of which help children with basic math and science skills.

Write letters. We love our Facebook to stay in touch but why not try the old fashioned method. It helps children with handwriting and spelling skills as well as organizing their thoughts. Use prompts for children 4 years and younger.

Get children involved in the travel planning, everything from the costs to the mapping and activities when you arrive provides learning opportunities, keeps them involved during the travel and teaches basic live skills.

Start a summer journal or scrapbook. These activities help children with basic writing, organization and math skills (for example when they are cutting out the shapes for pictures in the scrapbook).

Discuss age appropriate current events. One of my son's favorite learning opportunities what finding one article in the newspaper that we could all discuss at dinner time. Read letters to the editor and talk or write about your thoughts.

Set a schedule for children and be sure to include both down time and learning activities.

Use the web. There are many learning sites available online with everything from coloring online (teaching color recognition to young children) to math, reading and even science programs. My younger children enjoy PBSkids.org while my teens enjoy being able to make their own word finds and crossword puzzles (teaching and reinforcing spelling skills). Not sure where to go? Use these 10 homeschooling websites, and best free math websites.

Try some of these ideas:

5 Family Fun Math Activities

Best Spelling Games

Preschool Activities to Build Writing Skills: Sewing Cards, Also Called Lacing Cards

Writing Readiness: Getting Your Preschooler Ready for Writing

If you haven't already put many of these plans in place, why not join in Summer Learning Day on June 21, 2010 and make helping your child avoid learning loss your new summer resolution. The best part of all is that you can help you child stay entertained this summer and make learning fun too.

Sources:

Paper by Ruth Peters, Johns Hopkins University

Reading is Fundamental

Summer Learning.org

Interview with Parker Knapp, Educational Consultant

Lyn Lomasi, Homeschooling Parent

Angela La Fon, Ph.D in Education Curriculum