Keeping Your Child Off The "summer Slide"

A recent University of Missouri study estimates that the "summer slide"-the learning loss during summer vacation-for all students equals about one month of learning generally (on a grade-level equivalent scale) and 2.6 months specifically in math.

How can parents keep their kids' minds engaged in these months of summertime fun while preserving the joy of summer?

To help children, parents and educators combat the summer slide, Beth Hollenberg, an early- learning expert and the executive vice president at SCORE! Educational Centers, a leading provider of after-school learning programs, offers these tips:

Start With Great Materials

To effectively compete for summer mindshare with pools, parties and play dates, educational materials need to be highly engaging. For example, the new SCORE! Mountain Challenge Workbook Series, by Kaplan Publishing, offers "bite-sized," reward-driven exercises that improve academic skills. The workbooks, which are for students in grades K-6, combine SCORE!'s motivating approach with Kaplan's proven teaching techniques. The books and their companion Web site, www.scoremountain.com, promote active achievement with a mountain theme.

Moderate Media Consumption

Amid tech toys, TV and video games, media moderation can seem unmanageable, but it's important to step in and help kids achieve a balance. Limit TV time and actively introduce kids to positive, brain-building alternatives. Interactive tools will help capture children's attention, give them a chance to practice key skills and build confidence.

Identify Challenges

Summer is a great time to catch up on subjects that your child struggled with during the school year. Seize the opportunity to help your child build confidence in those subjects during this period. Practice over the break gives your child the opportunity to experience success in a subject in which he or she had previously been struggling.

Read Together

Children typically love story time. Make story time a joint effort by encouraging him or her to dress up like a character from the book you're reading together.

Make Learning Fun

Children learn best when they are motivated. To bring learning to life, take your child on field trips to places of interest to them. Talk about what you're experiencing together. Seize opportunities to integrate lessons into daily activities.

By: Wendy Mitchell

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For more ideas on keeping kids engaged over the summer, visit www.scoremountain.com. Engaging materials are key for motivating kids to stay sharp over the summer.