As much as students might enjoy learning during the school year — friends, fun projects, field trips — summer vacation is an exciting break from routine. But for many students, particularly low-income students, the open months of summer often come at the price of lost learning time.
Wait, so what is summer learning loss?
During the summer, most students lose two months of math learning, and low-income students typically lose two to three months of advancement in reading, according to the National Summer Learning Association.
Students from non-low-income households were more than two times as likely to attend a summer camp than students from low-income or near-low-income households. This summer learning slump year after year furthers the achievement gap between high-income and low-income students.
How can low-income students keep learning during the summer?
Fortunately, you don’t need a ton of money or access to a fancy summer program to ensure your child has an enriching summer. There are plenty of low-cost or free summer learning options for students of all ages. And it’s not too late to combat the learning loss that your child might be experiencing this summer!
Here’s a list of tips to make this summer productive and fun on a dime.
1. Set learning goals
Ask your student about a personal project they want to complete this summer — maybe they want to master a few cooking recipes or learn a new swimming stroke. Then, make it a priority to help your student to their goal. Research shows that goal setting is empowering and proactive for students, encouraging them to take responsibility for their interests.
2. Sign up for your local library’s summer reading program
Local library summer programs make it easy and motivating to track your child’s summer reading. Let your student choose what they want to read and see how their interests develop. Besides offering prizes and raffles, libraries often also host free community events. It’s a great way to break up the summer and make reading enjoyable for your child.
3. Make your family time educational
You don’t need to travel far to give your child an educational experience. Whether you are visiting another country for a week or another neighborhood over the weekend, carve out time for a visit to a local museum, sign up for a walking tour (many are free), or visit a National Park. Show your child how much there is to learn by visiting a place away from home or even close by.
4. Keep skills sharp with online learning platforms
There’s a number of free online learning platforms for students that can help prevent the summer slump, like Khan Academy, BrainPop and Duolingo. Khan Academy allows your student to track their progress and show their mastery in a subject level with videos and exercises.
5. Visit a local university
If you have a high school student, take them to a local university. Schools usually offer free tours during the summer and sometimes offer student shadow days as well. It’s a great way for your student to get inspired and see what type of higher-education environment might interest them.
Why do we want to help stop the summer learning slump?
We are a nonprofit working to ensure every student — regardless of income, race, or ability — has access to a high-quality education in the Bay Area. We want to equip parents with the information and resources necessary to change the status quo.
Check out our other resources for parents:
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7 things to do to support your child’s college dream
Are you first in your family to go to college? Here’s where to get help!
A Quick Guide to School Enrollment