Summer break provides a chance for kids to cut loose and enjoy the freedom of a less structured schedule. However, as parents and educators know well, months away from academic pursuits can make for a rocky start to a new school year come fall.
“Summer slide” is when students lose some of the achievement gains they made during the school year. Parents can help kids avoid this learning recession and stay engaged with these tips and ideas from the experts at KinderCare.
Read and learn as a family. Research from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education in 1999 and 2011 shows that spending time reading and writing as a family and encouraging kids to read on their own has a bigger impact on preventing summer slide than any other activity. Find books, poems, or even museum display cards that correlate to places you see or visit during the summer.
Go to your local library. The Collaborative Summer Library Program found that children who visited the library were less likely to suffer summer learning loss. Your local library may have a summer reading program that can help provide ideas or motivation, or simply let kids loose in the stacks to find books that interest them.
Don’t forget math. Over the summer, math skills often fall by the wayside, according to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Experts recommend getting creative to prevent math learning loss. For instance, ask children to help add prices for purchases in the grocery store or assist in measuring and counting while cooking together in the kitchen.
Get up, get out and get moving. One of the healthiest resources of summertime is free and available to all: nature. According to research by North Carolina State University’s Natural Learning Initiative, kids who spend more time playing outside are better at creative problem-solving and have improved focus and cognitive skills.
Resist the urge to let screens do the work. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents balance the need for media literacy with reasonable limits on screen time. One hour of screen time is enough for children over the age of 2. For children under 18 months, screen time should be discouraged. Between 18 and 24 months, high-quality educational media is appropriate when parents supervise.
Did you know can use your member tuition benefit to save 10 percent on child care this summer? It’s true! This summer, keep the learning going with a fun, flexible program right in your neighborhood. Whether you need full- or part-time care for your baby, toddler, preschooler, or big kid, KinderCare has you covered.
What We’re Learning This Summer
Infants and Toddlers, Ages 0–2
Little learners will discover sea animals, explore textures, and build sensory skills through hands-on water play! Our warm and caring teachers are right by their side to ensure that every splash is safe and joyful.
Preschool and PreK Kiddos, Ages 3–4
Summer is full of fun and growth for our preschool and pre-K kids! They’re learning how to work as a team, make new buddies, and share their exciting discoveries while digging into the season — what do plants need to grow?
Champ Club
Quality summer-break camps for 5- to 12-year-olds can be hard to find. Look no further than Champ Club, available at select KinderCare and Champions locations. This is where your child will nurture friendships, explore opportunities in STEM, make new friends, and (everyone’s favorite) embark on field trips! Join for a day, a week, or the whole break.
Want more information about your 10 percent Tuition Benefit with KinderCare or Champions? Visit KinderCare.com/MTA.