Ways to Avoid Summer Learning Slide

​Summer holidays are soon upon us!  Months of hard work will culminate in 10+ weeks of relaxation!  A well-earned break is something that everyone looks forward to, but on the other side is something called SUMMER SLIDE!
There are numerous studies that support the premise that students lose ground over the summer unless they engage in active learning activities several times a week.
But have no fear – active learning does not always mean seat work or summer school.  Active learning includes any and all activities that engage the brain in mental problem-solving! 
Here are some ideas you can implement to keep your children (and yourself) learning throughout the summer! 

1. READ – create a family reading challenge. Children and teens tend to read more when adults in their lives encourage them to read, and especially when they see those adults reading themselves.
2. WRITE – write letters to friends and family and go through the process of mailing them. Teach your child how to address the envelope and buy a stamp.
3. CALCULATE – have your children help with budgeting for school supplies and school clothes shopping. Take advantage of sale prices to teach percentage and how to know if they have gotten a good deal.
4. Visit your local library – in our small communities we are blessed with FOUR public libraries.   
   • Payette City Library https://payette.lili.org/  
   • Weiser City Library https://weiser.biblionix.com/catalog/ 
   • New Plymouth City Library https://newplymouth.lili.org/
   • Ontario City Library https://www.ontariocommunitylibrary.org/

1. Get your kids involved in summer reading programs: 
   • Here are a few ideas to get you started:
   • https://www.scholastic.com/site/summer-reading.html
   • https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/
   • https://b.halfpricebooks.com/summer-reading/
   • https://www.waterford.org/resources/summer-reading-challenges-for-kids/
2. GAME DAY or GAME NIGHT – PLAY BOARD GAMES
   •   Here is a link to a great article outlining the benefits of playing board games with your kiddos! https://www.scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables/activities-for-kids/arts-and-craft-ideas/benefits-board-games.html
3. Grow a Garden of Vocabulary!!  A Word a Day keeps language BLOOMING! 
   • use Webster’s Dictionary Word a Day program to build your child’s vocabulary. “If a child has not heard a word being used, or seen the word in print, they will not recognize it when they read!” https://www.merriam-webster.com/vocabulary/weekly-vocabulary-words-for-kids

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