Parents play a critical role in preventing the “summer slide,” which refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that can occur during the summer break. At Maryvale, we approach reading and language skills through the Creative Curriculum, making each story and book an adventure that engages every student in the classroom. This technique blends the social and emotional elements of play with the acquisition of new skills.
It’s not unusual for early readers to forget some of the skills they learned in school. Children that struggle with reading in the first place are more likely to experience the summer slide. Can reading stay fun and exciting outside the classroom this summer? We think so! Here are ten ways parents and other caregivers can keep children sharp and on task with reading comprehension.
- Start by establishing a structured routine. A consistent daily routine during the summer should include designated times for learning activities and reading. A structured routine helps maintain a sense of regularity and reinforces the importance of ongoing learning.
- Set children up for reading success. Encourage your child to read regularly by providing a variety of books that match their interests and reading level. Set aside dedicated time for independent reading and engage in shared reading experiences. Visit the library regularly to explore new books and participate in summer reading programs.
- Set goals together. Work with your child to set achievable reading goals for the summer. Break larger goals into smaller tasks and track progress together. Celebrate milestones and offer rewards to motivate your child and maintain momentum.
- Make reading a daily practice. You might create a designated reading time before bedtime or send your child off with a book when it’s time for a break from the sun.
- Encourage your child to read aloud and to re-read things they’ve recently finished. Help them to overcome embarrassment and shyness by celebrating every time they sound out a difficult word. The more verbal their summer reading is, the better – especially for young kids. Re-reading will help grow their confidence and improves reading comprehension and retention.
- Make learning an everyday activity. Look for opportunities to incorporate learning into daily activities such as cooking, shopping, and counting money. Use road trips or visits to attractions or parks as opportunities to discuss and learn about new topics.
- Read together and model positive interest in books. Maybe one of their summer reads is one that you read aloud while snuggling. And when you aren’t reading together, show that you are interested in books, and that reading is part of everyday adult life.
- Balance reading with fun STEM activities. Nurture your child’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects through hands-on activities like science experiments, building structures with blocks or Legos, or solving puzzles and riddles. These activities promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity and are a healthy balance of reading and language skills.
- Keep a record of what your child accomplishes. Much like setting a goal at the beginning of the summer, wrapping up with a celebration of your child’s accomplishment will feel like a prize.
- Balance learning and fun. Summer break should also be a time for relaxation, creativity, and enjoyment. Find a balance between structured learning activities and unstructured playtime. Allow your child to pursue their hobbies and interests, engage in outdoor activities, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Parents can play an active role in preventing the summer slide and fostering a continuous love for reading. Encourage exploration, provide support and resources, and create a stimulating environment that promotes curiosity and growth. If you are short on time or want to lean on childcare professionals to support your child this summer, consider enrolling your child in Maryvale’s Summer Day Camp. Field trips, swimming, and educational playtime are just a few things your child can look forward to when joining us. Get in touch to learn more about our summer programs.
