Dear Friends,
Summer is the perfect time for students of all ages to relax, but it’s also a time when summer learning loss can occur. This learning loss is called the “summer slide,” and happens when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months. Have no fear! Although we are entering the month of August, it’s not too late to focus on making playing and learning so much fun.
As parents and caregivers, we may not realize that learning opportunities are everywhere. Kids can read cereal boxes, menus, recipes, and signs as they go about their summer activities. You can play a game in the car or on the bus where your child reads all the words that they can see to help them practice their reading skills and grow their vocabulary.
Young children also begin to read by use of pictures, so encourage them to make that “picture-print connection.” You can also practice math skills when dining out or shopping by having your child be responsible for paying and counting the change.
Consider taking community field trips this summer to create opportunities for learning. For example, you can go to sporting events to discuss the strategy and rules of the game. There’s another perfect place to do this. In case you haven’t heard, Explore & More is offering Free Play Fridays outdoors on the Pierce Lawn at Canalside from 11am-1pm until August 25th. We provide sports equipment and coaches, and it’s FREE!
Use your imagination to give your child fun learning experiences for the remainder of the summer. You’ll find making small efforts now will yield big benefits for them in the future.
Looking for more ideas? Check out the Explore & More website at www.exploreandmore.org.
Hope to see you soon at the museum,
Lisa Chrapowicz
Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives
