How to Prevent Learning Loss in Children During Summer Months

It is not uncommon for a child to know certain facts and then forget them when new facts are learned. This is especially common during the summer months, when children can spend less time studying or learning. Because there is that long time span of not going to class, sometimes children will lose some of the knowledge acquired during the school year. It is easy to forget something when it isn't practiced enough. To prevent learning loss in children during summer months, there are a variety of things parents can do.

Play Learning Games
Learning games are a great way to prevent learning loss in children during the summer months. These can be simple games that you make up and play with your child. You also can buy many learning games online and in educational stores. Many games that are just for fun can be turned into learning games with a simple variation. Be creative. This is a great way to keep a child's brain active, while allowing him or her to have fun as well. Even simple things like doing the dishes, playing ring toss, or buying groceries can be used as a fun lesson.

Read, Read, Read
Reading is an activity that many kids enjoy. It's also a required activity for progress in learning. Joining a summer reading program or visiting the library often can help prevent learning loss in children during summer months. Most libraries have summer reading programs. You also can get creative and let the kids invent their own. Either way, keep track of what is read over the summer and reward the child for a job well done. Summer reading programs may already offer rewards, but an award from parents can be very meaningful to a child. This is a great way to boost confidence.

Enroll the Child in a Summer Math Program
Summer tutoring online or summer math programs are an excellent way to prevent learning loss in children during the summer months. It may seem like this will be an interruption to a deserved break. But, summer learning programs can be very convenient and flexible. Children should have time to play during the summer, but their brains should also be kept active. Online summer learning programs are one way of doing so with flexibility. A good online summer math program will allow flexibility in time schedules, as well as a customized learning process that both you and your child will be comfortable with.

Take Educational Family Trips
Another way to prevent learning loss in children during summer months is to take educational family trips. Camping, going on a nature hike, or visiting a local zoo or museum are all considered educational family trips. They also can be very fun. Summer break is all about fun, but that doesn't mean that children can't exercise those brain muscles, and take the time to point out animals, plants, and exhibits. If there are information plaques or guides, read those with the child. Better yet, the child can read them to you.