Flashlights, Ladybug Picnics, and Reading Tents
Have you heard about the Summer Slide? No, it’s not the latest backyard toy or a new line dance! It’s the term used to describe the backwards slide that many children make in reading and math over the summer months. Summer gives us more flexible schedules-a little more screen time, a little more outside play, a little less of our regular structure.
And while taking a break from our daily routines can be refreshing, it’s important that we don’t take a break from learning. On average, children lose about 2 months of reading and 2.7 months of math skills through the summer.
Studies show that younger children are at a higher risk for learning loss because they’re at a crucial stage in their young development. Without frequent practice, it’s hard for little brains to retain what they’ve learned.
How can you help? I’m glad you asked!
Our friends at Read Aloud 15 Minutes have five easy tips for keeping your kiddos engaged in reading this summer:
1. Make reading an adventure. Read with your children anytime, anywhere. Sit on a blanket in the yard at night and read with a flashlight or read in a sand castle at the beach.
2. Ensure reading materials are readily available. Grab a few from our Little Free Libraries (go to www.LittleFreeLibrary.org to find one near you), check out a few good titles from the public libraries, or trade books with some friends.
3. Be a role model. Let your child see you reading. What do you enjoy? Thrillers, biographies, how-to’s? Find something that you enjoy and jump in!
4. Encourage choice. Summer is a great time to let your child take the lead in choosing titles. Does he like a specific subject or author? Does she like fiction or non-fiction? Would they like to read about a dinosaur dig or a lady bug picnic?
5. Create a comfortable and fun reading space. Build a tent in your living room with a sheet or make a cozy corner with pillows and stuffed animals.
Let’s make sure summer is a time of fun and learning!!
Happy Reading!
Lisa Davis, Early Literacy Coordinator
