Summertime can be a time for learning

According to statistics, all students experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. In addition, they lose roughly 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills during the summer months.

Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist, said only about 10 percent of students participate nationwide in summer school or attend schools with calendars that are nontraditional.

“After school begins, teachers usually spend between four to six weeks re-teaching material that students have forgotten during the summer,” Richardson said. “Parents can help combat the learning loss by encouraging students to participate in a variety of activities which will keep them from getting behind academically during the summer.”

Richardson suggests the following to help your child’s brain keep clicking this summer.

• Go to the local library. The librarian can suggest grade-level books and promote the love of reading to your child.  Many libraries also have free summer programs.
• Check out Internet sites that are safe and parent approved and have a learning focus.
• Participate in summer programs that involve arts, crafts, sports and field trips. Activities make learning more fun.
• Prepare for fall.  Find out what your child will be learning during the coming school year by talking with their teachers. Ask for suggestions of reading and math workbooks to complete during down times.
• Practice math daily through everyday activities.  Measure items around the house or yard.  Cooking is a chance to track temperatures and measure items.  Add and subtract at the grocery store.
• Get outside and play.  Limit TV and video game time.  Physical activity, games and exploring contribute to healthy development.

 “Don’t forget about the family vacation being a learning experience,” she said. “It is a great time to get kids reading, doing math and learning about geography. Get them online and have them research the journey and the activities surrounding your vacation spot.”

If you do not plan on taking a vacation, explore your local community.

“There are great learning spots locally,” Richardson said. “Besides visiting the library, check out museums, zoos, aquariums and parks. Encourage them to keep a journal or e-mail friends on their activities. This will build writing skills.”

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu