Whew! Where did the school year go!?! Can you believe summer is just around the corner, and it is time to say goodbye to another great school year? School is out---now what? Perhaps you and family are packing up the car and heading to grandma’s house in Ohio? Maybe a fun-filled adventure to an amusement park is in the works. Or you may be planning to simply relax, taking it one day at time. As you see, without a school schedule to follow, the options are endless. However, don’t forget to include educational opportunities for your child this summer!
Having a non-academic summer can set back a student’s attained knowledge and skills at any grade level. Did you know that on average, teachers spend 4 to 8 weeks every fall re-teaching and reviewing skills/concepts that students have forgotten during their long summer break? As an experienced classroom teacher, I can attest to these facts. Many students lose about one to two months of acquired reading and math skills during their break.
Do not get me wrong, I am in no way suggesting that children should spend the summer working out of practice workbooks, or logging in hours online on educational websites. Summer is an ideal time for parents to help their children discover that learning is fun and is not limited to the walls of a traditional classroom. Keep the learning going---as it can happen anywhere, and anytime!
I have compiled a short list of ideas to help you do just that! Take a look!
Ways to Include Education During Your Summer Vacation
1. Make Time For Learning
Set aside “learning time” (at least one hour) for your child each day. Identify the specific subjects that your child had difficulties with this past school year; or the subjects that you can enrich, helping your child take it to the next level. Once those areas are recognized, take advantage of every resource available to you and tackle them! Online resources, teacher supply stores, and libraries (just to name a few) offer a variety of materials to reinforce academic skills.
2. Hire a Private Tutor
Tutors help students improve grades, and also build their academic confidence. This can be done through small group sessions or one-on-one sessions. Whether your child is struggling, has learning gaps, or need to be challenged; a tutor can help make a difference!
3. Try Simple Science Experiments
So you’re not a rocket science (or maybe you are!). Help bring out your child’s [and your] inner scientist! Surprisingly, there are countless simple and fun science experiments that families can do at home!
4. Visit Museums/Historic Sites
When teaching Social Studies (History) content, I often have to remind my students, these historical events really happened! Take your child to see real life places and artifacts they may have learned during the previous school year or will discuss when school is back in session. Help them to make that connection!
Shamar Dawson, M. Ed. is an Atlanta elementary school teacher who offers private tutoring in Metro Atlanta. Whether you are looking for one-on-one or small group lessons, Mr. Dawson can assist your child/children with study skills, organizational skills and tutoring in all subjects. Visit his website, www.dawson101.com for more information or call 770.322.4887.
Shamar Dawson, M. Ed. is an Atlanta elementary school teacher who offers private tutoring in Metro Atlanta. Whether you are looking for one-on-one or small group lessons, Mr. Dawson can assist your child/children with study skills, organizational skills and tutoring in all subjects. Visit his website, www.dawson101.com for more information or call 770.322.4887.
