Tips to Help Your Child Avoid The Summer Slide
Summer vacation, the time of year all children look forward to, has finally arrived and it looks to be a gorgeously warm one. Some may travel with family and friends or stay closer to their neighborhoods. Whatever plans your children may have over the next 8 weeks, be sure to include activities that will help them avoid the "Summer Slide." The summer slide refers to the educational regression that can occur over the long break when young minds are out of school. As a result, many children start the school year "behind" and have to put in extra work to catch up.
The following are a few tips you can follow to fight the summer slide:
Pick up a chapter book or two for the older ones and picture books for the little ones. Read on longer train rides or at bed time. Make reading a fun habit and be sure to show your kids that you read for fun too.
Little muscles need practice in writing and drawing pictures. Write letters to friends and families for fun or have them help with the grocery list.
Math is everywhere and can easily become a game. Simple counting of steps or grocery items is great for little ones. You can even ask older children for help in calculating tips at restaurants.
Interacting and playing with friends is a good way for children to use their social skills. Practice sharing, taking turns and using polite phrases.
You probably already have plans to visit the zoo or the beach. Trips to the local museums provide yet another opportunity to mix fun and learning.
Turn off the T.V.
The Children's Aid Society offers a variety of summer programs for New York City youth. Visit our camps page for more information.