With summer flying by so quickly it's easy to cast off summer studying and give in completely to being out of school.
While I want you to embrace the freedom of summer and enjoy every moment of sun-filled fun, I also want you to know that months away from the classroom has a real impact on students that makes returning to school and doing well difficult.
Summer Slide is a term used to describe the regression or learning loss many students experience during the summer months away from school. And learning loss can be detrimental to preparing for your future, and feeling secure and confident in your new set of classes.
So here are some things to help make the inevitable fall transition back into the classroom a little easier. Just fit a few of these things in each week between all the fun and you'll be set for Fall.
Read. Take every opportunity to read throughout
the summer. Read the newspaper, read news online, and take advantage of local
library summer reading programs or just pick up a few books. Research shows
that reading just six books during the summer can keep a struggling reader from
regressing. Here are some recommendations for summer reading.
- https://blog.collegevine.com/smart-summer-reading-recommendation-for-high-school-students/
- https://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/05/04/10-books-for-high-school-summer-reading/
- https://www.fastweb.com/college-search/articles/fun-smart-summer-reading-lists-for-students
Cook. One of the best ways to integrate math,
reading, and following directions is to cook. This is also a great way to
prepare for life on your own. Find recipes for your favorite meals and learn to
make them.
Travel. Take a field trip of sorts to a museum,
park, zoo, or community center and learn about the programs and history of the
area. Start a blog and write about all the places your visit. Be descriptive.
This is great writing practice and will help you better articulate your
thoughts.
Go to Camp. Get involved with a day or week-long camp
in an area that interests you. If you attend as a camper get involved and
really get into the experiences offered. If you attend as a camp counselor or worker,
take pride in your job and take your responsibilities seriously. This is great
work experience and is definitely a resume-builder.
Volunteer, Spend some time in your community giving
back. Consider getting involved with a kids day program or another local
charity. There are many in need throughout the summer and lots of ways to get
involved.
The biggest take-away
for summer is to enjoy yourself while remembering to schedule in some
meaningful activities that help you achieve your long-term goals. You’ll be
thankful come August.
As our last blog before our summer break the entire ICAN team wished you a wonderful summer! We'll see you right back here in August. Until then, if you need anything you can chat with a student success advisor on our website at www.icansucceed.org, schedule an appointment to visit us at www.icansucceed.org/apt, or give us a call at (877) 272-4692.
Enjoy summer break!
Brittania - ICAN Hiawatha Center
As our last blog before our summer break the entire ICAN team wished you a wonderful summer! We'll see you right back here in August. Until then, if you need anything you can chat with a student success advisor on our website at www.icansucceed.org, schedule an appointment to visit us at www.icansucceed.org/apt, or give us a call at (877) 272-4692.
Enjoy summer break!
Brittania - ICAN Hiawatha Center
