If you invest a modest amount in summer learning, it will pay lasting dividends. The Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University has found:
– All students experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.
– Teachers typically spend four to six weeks re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer.
– On average, students lose 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation skills during the summer months.
Pre-Learning for Fall Courses
Dogwood tutors work with your student to preview next year’s course materials. Pre-learning works well for on-level courses as well as advanced courses that ramp up quickly in the fall. Math, Science, English, Social Studies and Language courses in all grades. Prepare your student to start the new school year with greater confidence and the skills needed to grasp the coursework ahead of others in the class.
Study Skills Program
Summer is an ideal time for your student to learn skills that make an immediate and lasting impact on performance in middle school, high school and well beyond. Fundamental skills like how to stay organized and meet deadlines, take better notes in class, get more out of reading, and make studying easier, more effective, and less stressful. The program is presented during the summer in a series of one-on-one, 60- or 90-minute sessions customized to meet your student’s individual needs.
Summer Learning Tips
- Locate a summer program that fits your budget. Programs offered by schools, recreation centers, universities, and community-based organizations often have an educational or enrichment focus.
- Utilize the library, a great, free resource. Check out books that interest your child. Participate in free library summer programs and make time to read every day.
- Take free or low-cost educational trips to parks, museums, zoos and nature centers.
- Get in the car for a day trip to a place with an educational theme. Camping is also is low-cost way to get outside and learn about nature.
- Practice math daily: Measure items around the house or yard. Track daily temperatures. Add and subtract at the grocery store. Learn fractions while cooking.
- Play outside. Limit TV and video games. Intense physical activity and exercise contribute to healthy development.
- Do a community service project. Teach your child how to volunteer in your community and show compassion to others.
- Keep a schedule. Continue daily routines during the summer with structure and limits. The key is providing a balance and keeping kids engaged.
- Prepare for fall. Find out what your child will be learning during the next school year by talking with teachers at that grade level. Preview concepts and materials over the summer. Source: National Center for Summer Learning at The Johns Hopkins University