The summer slide, simply put is a learning loss. It is when kids lose the achievement gains they made the previous year. Did you know that during the summer slide kids can lose 30% of what they learned over the school year during the summer?
That leaves teachers having to reteach all that was lost while trying to teach a new curriculum for the new school year. With very little effort and time – you can help your child by making sure they do not suffer from the “summer slide” and ensure a great start for them and their teacher come the fall.
I am not saying you should have your child working on academics for hours every day. I totally believe in the kids should be kids – let them have fun – summers are for relaxing and playing mentality. However, I also believe that 15-30 minutes of review – and 30 minutes (Minimum) of reading daily is not asking too much!
To be honest, most of our days look a lot like this:
Two weeks before school was let out – I sat down and did some research. I used the information that I received from his teacher about Greyson’s reading level and math scores on the national tests. Knowing those, I knew what level of work he should be focusing on, and what levels would stretch him a little.
Once I had this information in hand I thought about making a whole curriculum for him, but to be honest, I did not want to. I have a lot on my plate at the moment, and there are so many amazing resources on TeachersPayTeachers. So I went there and bought three different curriculum sets. Even though he is entering 2nd grade, I know he is able to handle 2nd-grade review work.
Summer Slide – Work:
Teaching Second Grade – Isla Hearts Teaching – Teaching and Tapas
After buying them, I printed them out, and then placed the pages inside an accordion file folder. I do not care what page Greyson pulls from the folders – or in which order they are pulled. I just want him keeping his skills up, and stretching himself a little. Which is why I created the Early Education | Double Digit Addition worksheets for him!
Related Content:
- Preschool Math: Greater-than, Less-than
- Early Education | Double Digit Addition
- Beginning Letter Sounds Worksheets
- Pre-Readers
- Handwriting Worksheets for kids
- CVC Worksheets – Phonics for Kids
- Blends Flashcards / Resource Cards
Summer Slide – Reading:
In addition to the worksheets – my only other school-related rule is that he reads. Everyday! He loves to read, and I want to keep that alive. So I bought him some new books that I knew he would enjoy. <– that is the key! Make sure they are reading what THEY want. Not what you want them to read. Forcing topics or genres on them is a quick way for them to hate reading!
I bought him these 4 books, and he read them in two days. My parents bought him Narina, and he is currently more than halfway through it. We have decided to hit up the library for the rest of the summer!
If you are completely against the idea of your kiddo during school work during the summer. There are many other options. For example, Greyson is also working on a large lego set that he received for Christmas. We are fortunate enough to have a sun porch, where I have a table set up for the kids. They are free to do all the building, puzzles, play-doh that they want out there. I love it because it is out of sight – and does not take up space in our kitchen or dining room!
The goal, for me, is to continue their education, in a fun, loving, and interactive way over the summer! Summers are for fun, rest, and breaks, but it does not mean that their brains should take a break for the whole time! 🙂 My second goal is for the boys to not spend their days on devices – burning up brain cells on the television.
I would LOVE to know what you do with our kids, to help prevent the summer slide. Please let me know!
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