Ever since my kids entered kindergarten, I kept hearing buzz of summer slide. What is that? With their minds idle, I learned that learning loss can occur over the summer months.
The more I read about it, the more worried I became about making sure to enrich the children during the off summer months. This was right in my wheelhouse anyway, because I am a big believer in systems and schedules. Not to say we are the most strict at adhering to the schedules, but I find much more peace in at least having a schedule to pull us back to when things go off the rails.
So each summer, I diligently came up with a plan to get in some reading, some math, some coloring and some fun. We tried many different charts and lists, until I found this great little etsy shop that will make a laminated chart for you… cue angels singing!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WainboughCo
This year, I have revised our list to include academic areas that need improvement, like writing and science. Areas I got to see firsthand, due to remote learning. This is one silver lining of the last year. I now know for sure where my children need to focus (and what things they spent a LOT of time on in school that are maybe not as important in my book). After this crazy year, I am now empowered to beat the “summer slide” and have fun doing it my own way. Hopefully I can keep the kids motivated as well; if all else fails, nothing beats a little monetary bribery!
Now for the stats… Although every student’s experience is different, most students experience some learning loss after summer. I’ve noticed this in my own kids. Here in Florida, our county relies heavily on i-ready scores. I have noticed my kids seem to start the year with a little lower i-ready score than where they ended the previous year. It always takes a few weeks to get back into the swing of things.
Here are some great articles on normal summer slide and the plan to tackle what is expected for covid slide.
“A recent study of children in 3rd to 5th grades showed that students lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent of their school-year gains in math during summer break.” From: 2020 NWEA MAP Growth normative data overview
“9 in 10 teachers spend at least three weeks re-teaching lessons at the start of the school year.” From: The Achievement Gap – Summer by the Numbers
Lost Learning Time Compounds Over Summers. Students Are Taking an Extra Hit Right Now
“Although most districts are making summer school voluntary, districts are expecting demand for spots will be greater than ever.” From: As the school year ends, many districts expand summer school options
All I can say is that it feels like my children have not progressed as much as they could have during a normal school year. So my plan is to tackle normal summer slide AND covid slide in one fun-filled (list-filled) summer!
Tell me your plans for the summer below. Especially if it involves a system or a LIST of some sort!
Love this information & I totally agree, with wanting to keep the “scholars” engaged during the summer months. While still trying to have a “beautiful balance” of “rest & fun”. It is an interesting goal & sometimes I felt like my efforts were feckless… However, everything ended up just fine (by the time grades posted). Kids are truly “mini superhero’s” & they manage to “get urrrr done” eventually. 😉
Thank you, Ciara! Here’s to a summer of balance and FUN!!
I agree with this! Luckily, we have always planned to homeschool and we’re learning all year long so we don’t experience the slide as much. I do remember my own learning slides when I was younger. I was a bookworm and always reading and I even bought the summer break worksheet books to do on my own though, so my main slide was in science. I do think it’s important to at least continue reading throughout the summer!
Thank you so much for linking my shop! I’m so glad you love your lists. I loved making them for you. 🙂
Thank you, Kristen! We love your lists… LIFESAVING! They have been working beautifully this summer to keep the kids on task, off the screen (for a bit), and mommy still in business!