According to a report from research scientists at Northwest Evaluation Association on the effects of COVID-related closures in schools, “without summer reading, students will only retain about 70% of their progress compared to a normal year, and math retention could regress half a year to a full year.” This learning loss is known in education circles as “the summer slide”. How can you mitigate this in your own children? It’s quite simple and includes engaging your child in reading and learning activities daily throughout the summer.

A report published in the BAOJ Journal of Neurology says that “children benefit from having books at home. A more learned home environment supports a child’s cognitive development and later wellbeing as adults.” So, go to the library with your child and let them pick out some books to have in the house! Studies have suggested that allowing your child to pick out their own books (within reason of course) furthers their desire to read as it is not seen as a school-related “requirement”.

And don’t discount the value of reading to your children. Sarah Mackenzie is the force behind the “Read Aloud Revival'' movement. On her website (www.readaloudrevival.com) and podcast by the same name, she shares a wealth of information and research on the benefits of listening to books read. Students of all ages who listen to books have higher writing and speech competencies. Hearing from a parent is always great, but audio books count, too, and there are some fantastically read books on Audible. Pick a great story, make a fort, fire up some twinkle lights and s’mores, and settle in for a family read-aloud! It will make for both magical memories and productive academic growth time. 

To give you some other ideas for growth-promoting summer activities, we asked our teachers for their top suggestions!