"What workbook should I buy my child for the summer?"

The school year is winding down and parents start thinking about summer learning. This is a question I see a lot at the end of the school year and I'm happy that summer learning is on their radar because the 'summer slide' is real. While a workbook isn't a terrible idea, and it's certainly better than doing nothing, there are better ways to spend your 30 minutes of daily learning over the break. Here is the email I send to parents this time of year with my thoughts on summer learning.

Dear Parents,

It's getting closer to the end of the school year.  There is such a thing as the "Summer Slide" where students slide backwards academically.  A 1996 study by Harris Cooper found "that all students lost at least a month of math skills every summer, with an average loss of 2.6 months."

Three researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that "two-thirds of the ninth-grade reading achievement gap could be attributed to how students spent their summers in elementary school."  Wow.  

So maybe you are wondering, what are some ways I can help lessen the "summer slide" for my child?  Of course there are camps and programs in which you could enroll your child. Most of those cost money. If you'd like some camp recommendations, let me know.

Of course, I have some suggestions for lessening the summer slide.

First, let me say that I strongly believe that our kids have worked so hard this year and that summer is a well-deserved break from school and the routines. An ideal summer is full or relaxing, fun, sun, and experiences that grow our children (vacations, trips to museums, making more friends through playdate, camps, etc.). I do NOT believe in workbooks, packets, and worksheets throughout the summer for most students.

Here, my little guy practices his sight words.  So, yes. 
Sometimes worksheets are beneficial, but should only be supplemental and infrequent.

What I do believe in:

ROUTINES. Routines let kids know what to expect and actually make them feel safe. Monday-Friday, get into a routine of 30 minutes of learning (take weekends off).

CHOICE. Allow your child to pick which time during the day they will do this (giving children choice makes them more likely to be on board). I like to do it in the afternoon when it's super hot outside, but maybe your child wants to do it first thing in the morning to "get it out of the way". Along the lines of choice, let your child pick a chapter book for you to read together at bedtime.

MATH. Everyone knows reading is important for child development, but often math gets overlooked. During those 30 minutes, have your child spend 15 minutes on Summer Slugger- a math program sponsored by the Pittsburgh Pirates (I've set them up with their account through Everfi, they know how to get there). Or, they could choose to do Khan Academy math which is less fun, but good stuff academically. Khan Academy does have a '5th grade math prep' program. Some students also need practice with multiplication facts through the 9s. If this is the case, some time could be spent on xtramath.org for which all of my students have an account.

SCIENCE. The other 15 minutes could be spent on Code.org. Also, take in the science of summer by going for nature walks, learning about heat and condensation, looking at plants, and listening for birds.

My own children exploring a creek on one of our walks.

DAILY READING. Your child should still read every day for 20-30 minutes and not as part of their '30 minutes of learning' each day. Setting a timer for both reading and the '30 minutes of learning' is a great idea. Believe it or not, your now-middle schooler still enjoys being read to. I remember my mom sitting in the hallway and reading chapter books out loud while the 3 of us sat in our bedrooms with our doors open and listened. I (and many others) love to listen to stories. Speaking of listening to stories, check out the Libby app through Bethel Park Library where you can check out mp3 files of books to listen to on long car trips. Listening to reading is still reading. If you listen together, you can discuss the books and give you common ground. Keeping communication with your now-middle schooler will prove important.

Me reading to my littles inside a messy closet.  Sometimes changing the scenery is more fun!

There's also my summer book club that I sent in a previous email.

WRITING. Your child should write periodically.  A summer journal is a great way to get children writing.  On the first few days of summer, go to Five Below or Barnes and Noble and let them pick out a new journal.  This will get them excited about writing over the summer.  Let them pick which day they will write in their journal.  Set expectations for their writing such as:

• write continuously for 10 minutes or write at least 2-3 paragraphs
• go back and proofread to check for spelling mistakes
• Give your child an audience.  Encourage them to read their writing to you, an aunt or uncle, or grandparents who will 'oooo' and 'awwww' over their great ideas.  Students are usually so proud to share.  Be sure to provide positive feedback, too!

FRIENDS.  Make playdates and let them hang with their friends (socially distanced and safe) as much as possible.  Use our class Facebook page to make connections with other parents.

LIBRARY.  Local libraries offer summer reading programs that award prizes as well as summer classes and camps.  You should check out what Bethel Park Library has going on.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions or would like more information about this summer.

Your partner in learning,

Mrs. Meucci