Summer –12 weeks of care-free fun that nearly every student
looks forward to each year. But how does this time of rest and relaxation
impact you when you return to school in the fall?
Summer Slide is a term used to describe the regression or
learning loss many students experience during the summer months away from
school. To help prevent this loss here are some tips for summer break.
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.
Brittania - ICAN Hiawatha Center
