Loss of school skills over the summer

There's a discussion of 3-year-olds and their sleep habits below this, so scroll down when you're done reading!

As school lets out for the summer (here on the North American continent), kids are leaving their books and lessons behind for long days of running around and getting wet and eating ice cream. Which I think is as it should be. But one effect of having an extended summer vacation is that kids lose some of the skills they learned in school because they're not being reinforced over the summer.

Teachers see it in the fall--kids who were reading at one level in June may be reading at an easier level in September, just because they aren't practicing as much over the summer. The same happens with math, science, social studies, etc. If you don't use it, you lose it.

If you're looking for an easy way to keep your child's math skills up over the summer, DreamBox (our sponsor!) is the answer. Kids love the games, and giving them 15 minutes of playing time a few times a week will keep their skills up over the summer (while also giving you some quiet time or a good activity for the transition times of the day). Free trial and special deal for Ask Moxie readers in June, so check it out.

Comments

[enu]

Two words. Nerd Camp.

[effective nancy]

Oh, yes, how I loved nerd camp!

[AmyinTexas]

I promise, between Kindergarten and 1st grade my daughter (affectionately referred to here as #2) FORGOT how to read. It made the first weeks of school last year *very* awkward.

Psyched to look into DreamBox... #1 struggles with math confidence and, as we head into 4th grade, we can use all the help we can get!

[AmyinTexas]

Never mind, it only goes to a second grade level.

[AmyinTexas]

That is, never mind for #1... will definitely do it for #2. (Sorry if that previous post sounded dismissive.)

[Chili]

I have to say that this is a worry for me. My 5yo is just getting the reading thing - it's so damn exciting to watch him figure it out. I would hate to lose all that progress. But we've enrolled him in a daycamp that is very physically oriented, no academics. He will love it. But I don't know what to do to keep him reading, to keep the momentum.

I will look at Dreambox. What other ideas are out there?

[fahmi]

The NYC libraries launch a special summer program (separate from the regular read more! program) where they challenge kids to read 3-5 books over the summer and win "prizes" and do projects. Supposedly even just 3 books can make a difference in the skills lost.

[Julie]

You don't need to spend a lot of money, enroll in a camp, get a tutor, or buy a computer program to maintain reading momentum over the summer. It's very simple - just make sure you spend time every day reading with your child and having your child read to you. It should be about 10-15 minutes a day for emergent K readers, 20 minutes a day for 1st-2nd graders (or proficient Ks), and 20-30 minutes a day for 3rd-5th graders. Proficient older readers (4th and 5th) should try to clock about 45 minutes a day if possible. Of course, proficient readers often read more than that - that's why they're proficient. But the bare minimum for reluctant/struggling readers (3rd - 5th grades) is 30 minutes daily. There is no secret to improving reading, no summer camp or summer school program/teacher/tutor that will magically do the trick - it's literally time with text every day. The more words you read, the better reader you become. The end.

[supra shoes]

It is my great pleasure to hear from you and witness your great masterpiece.All of them look nice! Thank you very much!

[cheap jordans]

It really is a great idea.I will have a trial of this idea as soon as I got the pattern.Thank you for constantly posting of so many useful tips.They are such a great help to me.Thank you very much!

[Supra Shoes]

All things in their being are good for something.

[Supra Shoes]

The failures and reverses which await men - and one after another sadden the brow of youth - add a dignity to the prospect of human life, which no Arcadian success would do.

[Franklin Marshall T-shirt]

It really is a great idea.I will have a trial of this idea as soon as I got the pattern.Thank you for constantly posting of so many useful tips.They are such a great help to me.Thank you very much

[Kitchen remodel san diego]

This looks like a great resource.I'm very interesting to read your blog. Thanks for posting this.

[Elaine]

If you are a then despair not. There is pltney of help out there for you. You don't need to put your education on hold or cut down on necessities to meet payments. There are several government and private grants that can help you with your education, your child's insurance, groceries and even baby-sitting expenses.You just need to know where to look!If your finances seem impossible, then a government grant can help you out of your problems. Government help programs are funded by your tax money so it's only fair that you get to take an advantage from them during tough times.

[Agyei]

I have been looking for a way to keep my third gaerdr up to date on his math over the summer--I think this may be perfect! The characters are adorable & I really like how the multiplication concepts are presented. And it will seem like computer time to him--not school during the summer!

[Taylor]

1 more weekend of feordem!Really though, I think if you enjoy your job the day goes by pretty quick. If you like what you're doing while you're doing it, you're not really thinking about when it will be over.I've gotten pretty used to going to be early and waking up early. So much that we even wake up by 8 usually on Saturdays! You know what your hours are going to be?

[Yusuf]

Posted on Assalamu'alaikum Wr Wb,mengenai Program Reseller Affiliate Ebook Sukses dari Amazon, aku belum paham cara menyisipkan ailaffite link saya.Mohon pencerahannya.

[descendit thorax]

He drank out of the bass and dubstep cup and he’s poppin’ tunes bigger than Popeye’s guns! Nick’s ‘Like Boom’ EP is his most successful output to date. But wait for it; Nick’s got a new EP on the way which he said is; ‘…so close to being finished. I can’t wait to share this stuff with you guys!’. We can’t wait, either. Catch him now as the resident DJ on triple j’s Mix Up for the month of September showing us what music he loves most in 2012 (BASS!) – then lock in 20 October and join us.