After an extended summer break filled with family fun, many students return to school, having lost some of the knowledge and skills they acquired during the previous school year. Why is this, and how can parents help prevent summer learning loss?

In today’s blog, St. Cecelia offers three simple ways that you can help your student retain their knowledge and fend off summer learning loss.

What is Summer Learning Loss?

Also known as the “summer slide,” summer learning loss can be defined as the loss or fading away of your child’s newly learned knowledge and skills from the previous school year. It’s possible for your child to lose valuable mathematical, reading, and writing skills after a long period of time where they did not practice their abilities.

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Here are some top tips for reducing learning loss.

#1. Inspire Summer Reading

Reading skills are one of the easiest subject matters to retain during the summer months, as it only requires time and practice! Plan a trip for you and your student to visit a library or bookstore, and allow them to select books they’re interested in reading. When it comes to reading, any and all practice is valuable.

Allow your child to select their own age-appropriate books. The more they enjoy reading books they want, the better it is for their reading comprehension skills.

#2. Practice Writing Skills

A student’s ability to write clearly and concisely can significantly decrease without practice. During the summer months, there are several different ways you can support your child by giving them opportunities to write!

Consider all of the simple tasks you could have them help with, such as writing a grocery or to-do list, or sending a hand-written letter to a grandparent. These types of activities will help increase your student’s self-esteem and confidence, as well as give them the chance to practice their writing.

#3. Take Fun and Educational Trips

Planning a local educational trip is a great way to pair both reading and writing skill practice together, as well as keep your child interested in learning new things during an extended summer break.

For example, if you live in an area that has a museum or historical landmark, plan a trip for you and your family to visit! In preparation for the trip, help your child read through material (either printed or online) that correlates with the museum or historical landmark. Once you visit, encourage your child to write down 3 different things that they learned about and have them explain those things to you. If there is a landmark or museum within your area that your child already shows an interest in (such as dinosaurs, cars, or space), this would be a great place to start!

Award-Winning Educational Programs at St. Cecelia

At St. Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School, we believe in instilling a desire to learn and grow into each of our students. Our students learn to become lifelong learners who exhibit great character and seek to serve their local community. Contact us online for more information about our curriculum or upcoming events.