Stopping Summer Slide - Tips for Avoiding Learning Loss

Stop Summer Slide:

Tips for Avoiding Learning Loss

Are you worried that your child will be behind next school year? If you are, you aren't alone! Summer learning loss is at the top of many parents' and educators' minds. There are many ways that you can help your student catch up and pull ahead instead of falling further behind this summer.

What is Summer Slide?

Educators have been talking about summer learning loss, or summer slide, for over a century. Public school curriculum is designed to be repetitive to compensate for the knowledge and academic skills students lose over the summer. Despite these accommodations, many students still get left behind. Prominent researchers in this area believe that accumulative summer learning loss is the root cause of student achievement gaps for numerous students.

The recent slide statistics are based on over 200 million test scores from students across the United States. The comprehensive study followed these students from first grade through eighth grade. More than 50% of the students in the study lost ground in English language arts (ELA) and math five years in a row! The study concluded that “the average student loses between 17% and 28% of their school-year ELA gains (a 9-month period) during the following summer (a 3-month period). In math, the relative losses are a little larger: The average student loses between 25% and 34% of each school-year gain during the following summer.” In other words, this study found that:

The average student loses almost two months’ worth of ELA skills and nearly three months of math skills over the summer.

Students suffering from accumulative summer learning loss start high school significantly behind their higher-achieving peers.

More than 50% of students suffer from accumulative summer learning loss.

These summer slide statistics are troublesome. The compounding effect of summer learning loss can have an outsized impact on students’ future opportunities.

Fortunately, there is a silver lining in summer learning loss research.

Summer enrichment can help students catch up and pull ahead.

According to Megan Kuhfeld, a research scientist at the Collaborative for Student Growth at NWEA, 22% to 38% of students improve in ELA and math over the summer. After critically analyzed summer learning loss data, she concluded: “summer represents an important window of time in which students who are behind may be able to catch up to higherperforming students — if given appropriate and high-quality summer enrichment opportunities.” Summer slide isn’t inevitable. There are a wide range of summer learning opportunities, from summer reading programs and summer school to STEM programs and art camps that students can take advantage of. Students who participate in summer enrichment can make educational gains over the summer instead of falling behind.

Tips on How to Beat the Summer Slide Summer slide education has helped many parents prevent summer learning loss. You can reinforce your student’s educational gains during the school year and build off them through academic enrichment.

You don’t have to turn your home into a classroom to help your student catch up. The three month gap between school years gives them the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities and experiences. Summer reading and programs can boost their cognitive development, literacy, and academic skills while also expanding their interests. For many students, summer learning programs and activities are the highlight of their summer vacation.

Making time for summer learning can be the biggest obstacle

for many families. Creating a meaningful summer for your teen or middle schooler requires a little planning. Setting aside an evening to create a plan with your student for their summer enrichment is time well spent. When you do, remember to keep them at the center of your conversation. Students are much more invested in summer programs when they are designed around their interests and passions.

These six tips from educators and experts can help you develop an effective and enriching summer learning plan with your student. Any one of these can give your student a summer boost!

1

Create a Summer Learning Calendar A summer learning calendar is an excellent tool to help your student build on the knowledge and skills they learned during the school year.

As habit expert Gretchen Rubin says, “Something that can be done at any time is often done at no time.” If you do not create a plan for summer learning, it often doesn’t happen. Many students also love the sense of accomplishment of crossing days off the calendar as they complete their daily learning objectives or activities.

What is a summer learning calendar? It is a calendar with a learning-based activity or review tip listed on each day of the week: Monday through Friday. It is best to stick with activities that can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes. Your calendar may include: •

Short creative writing assignments

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Independent reading time

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A review of math concepts

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Fun STEM experiments

Before writing your student’s summer calendar, pinpoint the

areas that your student struggled in during the previous school year. Identifying areas where your student may be falling behind is the first step to help them catch up. Once you know the areas they struggle in, you can incorporate learning exercises and activities in those areas into your summer learning calendar. You may want to set aside 15 to 30 minutes every week to work with them in these areas. Students thrive with one-toone attention.

You can find many examples of summer learning calendars online to help you build your student’s calendar. You may also want to reach out to your student’s teacher for ideas. They may be able to share review packets or activities with you that will help prepare your student for the fall. If you have difficulty convincing your child to complete their calendar, Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendency framework can be helpful. You can use it to work with your student to identify how to motivate them best.

2

Incorporate Reading into Your Schedule Summer reading is the foundation of many summer learning programs.

The benefits of reading are wideranging. According to a 2009 study, “30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humor did.” For students, reading plays a crucial role in developing their literacy and reasoning.

Helping your child develop a habit of reading is one of the most important ways to set them up to succeed in school and life.

Blocking out time for reading in your daily schedule is one of the best ways to establish a habit of reading. You only need to set aside 15 to 30 minutes a day for your

student to read. You could make it a part of your mealtime or endof-day routine. Making time every day to read will help your student expand their vocabulary, strengthen their reading comprehension, and increase their empathy.

Encourage your student to read books that challenge them and that they enjoy! The freedom of this season allows them to explore their interests. Reading books that they like will help them develop a love for reading. It’s also important to direct them towards books at their reading level or higher to improve their literacy.

If your middle schooler’s teacher

doesn’t offer any book recommendations, check out WeAreTeachers’ middle school reading list. You can find a comprehensive high school summer reading list on GoodReads if your teen’s school doesn’t have one. Your local library is another excellent source for summer reading recommendations. Many public libraries have summer reading programs for students.

Along with independent reading time, incorporate some time to read together. Many parents stop reading out loud to their children after they learn to read for themselves. But it is a good practice to continue through middle school and high school. Studies have shown that reading aloud to older students improves their comprehension, exposes them to broader material, and reduces stress. Pick a theme to explore or series of books to read together this summer!

3

Play Games Together Your kids may gripe and groan when you pull out a pack of cards or board game, but their complaining usually doesn’t last long.

Card games and board games are fun for all ages! They are excellent summer activities for teens and middle schoolers. Playing games together gets them away from a screen and actively using their communication and reasoning skills. Games can challenge students to use their math skills, practice logic, and learn how to strategize.

Playing strategy games together can even help your middle schooler or teen make better decisions. According to clinical psychologist Beatrice Tauber Prior, Psy.D., playing strategy games develops children’s frontal lobes. “Those frontal lobes are responsible for executive function skills, which include planning, organizing, and making good decisions.” What a fun way to help your student learn to make smart decisions! There are so many strategy games to choose from now. It won’t be hard to find a few that your whole family can enjoy this summer.

4

Don’t Forget About Math The average student loses nearly three months of math skills over the summer.

Students tend to lose more math skills over the summer than language arts. Getting behind in math can impact your student’s success in science as well. You can combat this summer learning loss area by finding a math game or app they will enjoy playing—or picking up a math workbook for them to work through.

Creating accountability and offering your student incentives can help your student faithfully practice math during the summer. Motivating them to practice regularly is especially important for students who struggle in this subject. Some students can be encouraged with something as simple as a gold star on their summer learning calendar.

For other students, earning time to play video games, watch TV or play on their tablet can motivate them. Having an open conversation with your student about what would motivate them may be the best method to get your teen’s buy-in.

5

Encourage Their Creativity

Making time for creative activities is another enjoyable way to strengthen your student’s cognitive, social, and emotional development over the summer.

Creative writing, acting, playing music, and making art aren’t just fun.

According to Medical News Today, these activities boost your student’s cognitive function, help them create a positive identity, and develop healthy coping and processing skills. It is no wonder that students who participate in summer arts programs have higher engagement and academic performance in the fall.

There are many ways to encourage your student’s creativity during this sunny season. The most popular way to make time for creativity is by making summer crafts like tie-dye shirts, jewelry, or string art. You can also incorporate creative writing assignments and fine art projects into their summer learning calendar. During the summer, there are many creative programs you can take advantage of, from creative arts camps to art classes. You could also enroll your student in a dance class or music lessons.

6

Enroll Your Student in a Summer Program

Summer programs and classes can offer students a unique opportunity to pursue their passions and strengthen their academic skills.

Studies on the impact of summer art camps and programs have found that participants were more motivated and engaged in school the following year. Studies on the effects of summer math and science programs have found that participants were more likely to pursue a career in a STEM field.

Many students look forward to participating in an enriching summer program. It allows them to learn in a new environment and receive individual attention. Not all summer programs are created equally.

According to experts, the most effective summer programs offer: •

Evidence-based curriculum

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Hands-on or recreational activities

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One-to-one instruction or small class sizes

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High-quality teachers

Students who participate in high-quality, five to six-week summer programs often outperform their peers on math and English language arts (ELA) standardized tests the next school year. Your student will get the most out of a summer program that has these four features at its core and appeals to their interests.

How Fusion Helps Prevent Summer Learning Loss Traditional school settings don’t allow for personalized attention, which results in gaps in student learning. Students can stay under the radar when in a big classroom but struggle in the next grade in the fall. Fusion Academy’s summer programs can fill the gap.

Summer programs at Fusion Academy are designed to help students beat summer slide.

Following the recommendations for effective summer programming, all of our classes have one-toone instruction by experts in their

subject areas. Our instructors use evidence-based curriculum and hands-on activities that reignite students’ love of learning.

They also adapt the lesson plan to accommodate your student’s learning style and address any academic gaps. Fusion’s unique approach to summer programming helps students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

Fusion offers a wide range of summer learning opportunities for middle school and high school-age

kids. Our summer catalog includes over 250 summer classes for credit. Your student could enroll in STEM classes, world languages, language arts, or creative electives.

Your student can choose to:

Summer learning loss is a widespread problem, but it doesn’t have to hold your student back. Participating in enriching summer activities and programs can reinforce the lessons students learned throughout the year.

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Make up a course for credit

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Dive deeper into a core subject

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Explore a creative interest

There are many ways to incorporate learning into your summer: following a summer learning calendar, participating in a summer reading program, playing strategy games together, practicing math, encouraging creativity, or enrolling your student in a summer program or camp.

Many students who participate in summer programs, like Fusion Academy’s, return to school with new skills and knowledge.

Our course catalog includes practical classes like life skills, social entrepreneurship, and business entrepreneurship, along with visual and performance art electives. Students who need additional support building academic skills or fostering creative gifts can receive summer tutoring and mentorship.

You won’t have to move around your vacation to ensure your student can attend summer classes with Fusion Academy. Unlike traditional summer programs with a rigid schedule, we will work with you to create a plan that fits your calendar. We offer in-person, virtual, and hybrid summer classes and tutoring. Our virtual classes are always live, so your student stays engaged and receives the support they need. Fusion Academy’s summer programs help many students catch up and get ahead.

Learn More: FusionAcademy.com