boy reading in grass
Summer Break from school is here! We’re all looking forward to camps, barbeques, family vacations, and beach fun. Traditionally what is an excellent time for kids and families to relax and take a break from hectic schedules can easily transition into the dreaded summer slide.
Numerous studies have indicated that there is a learning loss, especially in reading, when students do not participate in learning activities throughout the summer. It’s simple and makes sense: Students who read during the summer maintain, and even gain, reading skills. On the contrary, students who do not read during the summer often slide backward. Students who do not read in the summer can lose up to two levels in their reading. If you ask your child’s teacher how you can help your child from slipping this summer, most likely the first thing your child’s teacher will tell you is to have your child spend time reading every day.
When students do not read during the summer, the first month to two months of the new school year often are needed to provide remedial instruction and reteach what was already taught during the previous school year. For these students, it can be difficult to catch up to their peers who are already months ahead.
Parents express confusion or frustration when their child’s teacher explains the child is reading below grade level expectations and having difficulty with comprehension skills. When parents say their child was doing fine with reading at the end of the previous school year, teachers often need to explain that valuable reading skills because they were not engaged in reading throughout the summer.
The good news is the summer slide can be avoided. There is strong research that proves reading is the best way to avoid slipping backwards and losing what was gained during the school year. Reading should occur for at least 20 minutes every day if you have a primary aged child in grades K-2 and 30 to 60 minutes each day for older children. Taking advantage of summer educational opportunities and daily reading throughout the summer can help.
Take advantage of technology
Students love technology and enjoy being online. Encourage your child to take a break from online gaming and visit a reputable, quality reading website. Collier County students can use the district’s website: www.collierschools.com. Students can click on Students Online and also log into Angel Learning for numerous learning activities.
You can also sign your child up for one of the local library reading programs. For more information about the programs, click here.
Several other reading websites worthy of exploring are:
- http://www.starfall.com
- http://pbskids.org
- http://www.tumblebooks.com
- http://www.storyplace.org
- www.bookadventure.com
Make the only slide your child takes part in this summer be the slide at the playground or pool. Keep reading this summer!
Darlene Pellechia is a Collier County Public School teacher at Osceola Elementary and mother of three.