Why You Need to Save Your Child from Summer Slides

As a parent first and an educator second, I have seen firsthand the impact of summer learning loss on students’ academic progress. According to a fairly recent study by Forbes, summer breaks lead to a staggering 40% loss in the progress made over the school year. Scary, isn’t it? What’s scarier is that only 48% of parents are aware of this phenomenon.

Summer Learning Loss or Summer Slide is something that has been recognised since the 1990s. It was when educational researchers identified a significant decline in learning after summer breaks, which contributes to a widening knowledge gap each year. They also identified that the subjects most affected are Math and Languages, crucial areas for a child's academic development.

Children aged 6-13 are particularly vulnerable to this regression. “In general, kids learn a lot more in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade than kids in middle school or high school because learning follows a curve where it’s accelerated early in life and then plateaus,” explains James Kim, Ed.D., an assistant professor of education at Harvard University. “Skills like decoding, letter knowledge, and word reading are very susceptible to decay without frequent practice, as are math facts like addition and subtraction.” A prolonged break from school results in increased disparities in achievements, making it difficult for both teachers and students to catch up when the new school year begins. This annual skill loss can create a snowball effect, hindering a child's progress year after year.

So, what can parents do to help?

We spoke about the problems, now it’s time to speak about the solution, that in this case is the Summer Bridge Curriculum.

A summer bridge curriculum is a specialized educational program designed to prevent the learning loss that typically occurs during the long summer break. This curriculum’s primary goal is to help students retain the knowledge they have gained during the school year and build upon it, ensuring a smooth transition to the next grade level. 

Research has shown the effectiveness of summer bridge programs in mitigating summer learning loss. A study published in the Review of Educational Research found that students who participated in structured summer learning programs demonstrated significant gains in both reading and math compared to those who did not participate . Another study highlighted in the American Educational Research Journal reported that summer programs with a focus on interactive and engaging activities were particularly successful in maintaining students' academic skills .

This is why we’ve developed the K-1 Brings Joy Learning Bridge Curriculum designed to bring joy to young learners while effectively addressing summer learning loss. By providing a vibrant and holistic educational experience, it ensures that children continue to grow academically and personally during the summer months. This curriculum combines interdisciplinary subjects with fun and interactive activities, ensuring that children remain engaged and motivated throughout the summer. It includes valuable character lessons, such as social-emotional learning and financial literacy, fostering holistic development. By providing clear instructions and flexible implementation, it supports parents in creating a seamless and enjoyable learning journey for their children.

You know, sometimes we underestimate just how much learning can happen outside of the traditional classroom. Take everyday activities, for example. Whether it's cooking dinner, going for a walk in the neighborhood, or even just hanging out at home, there are countless opportunities to sneak in a little bit of education without it feeling like, well, education.

For instance, a trip to the grocery store can become a lesson in math and nutrition. Children can practice their math skills by comparing prices, estimating totals, and calculating discounts. Meanwhile, you, as parents, can teach them about healthy eating habits by discussing the nutritional value of different foods and reading food labels together.

Outdoor activities, such as visits to the park or nature walks, can turn into opportunities to learn about the environment, observe wildlife, and explore scientific concepts like ecosystems and biodiversity. And even everyday chores can help children learn valuable life skills, such as responsibility and organization.

So if you think about it, learning is an ongoing journey that never truly ends, does it?

Reading is one of the most effective ways to combat summer learning loss. Encouraging your child to read good books can significantly boost their language skills and overall knowledge. If you're having trouble finding suitable books, you can explore a wide range of age-appropriate book recommendations available in my homeschooling library. And if you’re struggling with helping your child fall in love with reading, then I have some very helpful tips to share via my previous blog on Raising Readers.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or want to learn more about Summer Learning Loss, then get in touch!