Want To Help Your Child Have A Memorable Summer?
Horizons in Hemophilia, April 2010
By Danny Moore, RN, Outreach Nurse
Of course! All parents love to see that shining smile beaming from their child's face. A trip to Grandma's, a weekend at the beach, or the ultimate dream vacation-a week at Disney-every child dreams of summer for nine months of the year. Three months of relaxation, staying up late, sleeping in and forgetting as much as possible from the previous school year. As talented as your 12-year-old may be at sleeping until noon, it may surprise you to learn that the thing children are best at over the summer is forgetting.
Many studies have been performed and papers written on the subject of summer breaks. Most of these have been done by persons advocating either for or against having a summer break. They have wildly varying results, most often mirroring the opinions of those performing the studies and writing the papers (shocker!). The most independent study I found was performed by Dr. Harris Cooper, et al. in 1996, when he served on the Columbia, Missouri school board. The federal government proposed a cut in spending for summer programming. Wanting what was best for the children his school board served, Dr. Cooper launched some research into summer learning; he reviewed and synthesized 39 studies from across the country.
Cooper's research showed a significant drop in students' scores on standardized tests. The average loss of knowledge was approximately one month overall. Math scores dropped the most, averaging 2.6 months lost during summer break. These scores show that the first month of school is just getting everyone caught back up, and that it's the middle of October before students are learning any new math!
We all learn every day and forget every day (some of us more than others!). Learning can be fun, but having to re-learn something you've forgotten can be very frustrating. There are various groups trying to help students and teachers with these problems. Some people believe the answer lies with an extended school year or summer school, two phrases that can make the toughest playground bully cry. Other school districts are using a modified calendar that shortens the summer break while giving more week-long breaks throughout the year. Each of these groups has performed research showing their method works, but parents definitely need to help.
The golden rule of educating your children during the summer is don't make it feel like summer school. Children sit for hours per day in the classroom and that's the last thing they want to do during the summer. Try to make learning fun and keep it varied.
Libraries are a great resource for reading. Many have special summer reading programs or book lists that are age appropriate. You can also visit bookstores and take advantage of the recommendations of the staff. Check with your local bookstore to see if children are encouraged to come and crack a book and lounge around. You could also make it a challenge to see who can finish a certain book the quickest. That will give you something to talk about for days.
For help with reading or math there are many websites with fun worksheets for kids of all ages. Just type in the grade level and "math worksheet" or "reading worksheet", and you'll find all types of learning aids. Don't forget to add the words "fun" or "goofy" to your search!
For additional help with math, try getting a math workbook. If you have a teacher's supply store nearby such as The School Box, you can buy grade-appropriate workbooks there. If not, you should be able to find what you need at a Wal-Mart or Target store, although it may be more difficult to find an age-appropriate book.
Don't forget to incorporate educational games throughout the day. While driving, you can entertain younger kids by counting buses or certain color cars. For older kids, make sure the games are more complex. They may resist at first, but once they realize that they can beat mom or dad, most kids are up for it!
Don't forget it's summer! Although learning and retaining information is very important, so are other summer activities. It's crucial to get 30-40 minutes of learning in per day, but don't overdo it. Anything over an hour, and they may feel like they haven't had a summer break.
Now, go outside and play!