Learning loss over the summer months, otherwise referred to as the ‘summer slide’, is a commonly cited problem in primary schools everywhere at the start of the new academic year. Research has shown that 25% of academic learning is lost by children during the summer holidays resulting in an on average 2.6 month learning loss in maths and 2 month learning loss in spelling. This can waste a significant amount of time at the start of the new academic year by having to revisit skills from the previous year. However, this learning loss can also be greatly reduced by encouraging your students to engage in even the simplest of educational activities over the summer. Take a look at our list below for some ideas:
1. Encourage your students to read every day
Reading can make a significant difference towards reversing the summer slide in literacy skills. No matter whether it is fiction or non-fiction text, encouraging your students to read books that capture their interest is more likely to give them the motivation to read over the summer months.
2. Give them recipes that they can make at home
Following recipes is a great way for students to practice both their reading skills and also their mathematical skills by allowing them to count and make measurements. Giving them recipes that they can take home and practice is a great way of engaging with their parents as well.
3. Encourage them to use online maths programmes
Online maths programmes like RM Easimaths offer students a fun and engaging way of practicing their maths skills over the summer months. Even just one hour a week can deliver measurable improvements and can save you a significant amount of catch up time at the beginning of the new school year. You can get a free trial of RM Easimaths here.
4. Have your students do the research for a family trip
If your students are going on a family trip, then it’s a great idea to encourage them to do some research around this. Ask them to look up hotel costs, transportation (petrol or flight tickets), food costs and activities or ask them to write a report on it including current news. Not only is this good practice but it will help them to get excited about their trip.
5. Encourage them to keep a summer journal
There is no better way for students to practice their writing than by regularly updating a summer journal. Read over them at the start of term and give corrections and advice for better structured sentences.