How to Make the Most, Academically, of Your Child’s Summer Break

Within 24 to 48 hours after learning new concepts, students often begin to forget information unless it is reinforced or applied immediately. That’s why, during summer break, even the best students forget lessons they have learned during the school year. 

While a break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, if students aren’t using the skills they acquired in the classroom, they could find themselves lagging behind once the school bell rings again. The education experts at Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offer recommendations to inspire academic discovery when away from the classroom.

Writing - To help writing skills, encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a grandparent or friend.  If you are traveling on a vacation, ask your child to keep a travel journal recording where you stayed and what you did.  At the end of every day, talk through the activities with your child and help him or her with a journal.  It not only improves writing skills, but also creates great family memories.    

Mathematics - Helping mom or dad with grocery shopping develops opportunities to use math skills, such as making change, weighing fruits and vegetables, etc. Providing assistance with cooking can also familiarize children with weights and measures, organization and planning and following a recipe.  Perhaps you and your children could make a special dessert for the whole family.  Help children pick a recipe, create an ingredients list and go shopping together.

Reading - You can’t start too early.  You can’t read too much.  Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and communication.  For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting.  Children also learn by example. If parents are setting time aside to read, it reinforces the fun and enjoyment of reading. Local libraries offer infinite resources for children.  Librarians can recommend books appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children’s programs and clubs.  

Research –There are an abundance of sites that provide summer reading lists for children. At www.BookAdventure.com, children (grades K-8) create personalized books lists from more than 7,500 recommended titles, take quizzes on the books they’ve read at school or at home, and earn points towards prizes for their reading comprehension. The program is designed to motivate students to read more often, for longer periods of time and with greater understanding.

Analysis and Logic - Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but help children to develop and reinforce skills.   A simple card game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking.  Be sure to select games appropriate for your child's age level.

Summer Enrichment Programs - There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out-of-session.  Sylvan Learning offers engaging programs that keep the interest and fun in learning alive through the summer and into the school year.  Visit www.SylvanLearning.com for additional information. 

For additional educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/08619/index.cfmor call (609) 588-9037