Turn the "summer slide" into the "summer glide"

If you ever learned to play an instrument, draw or dance, you may have heard, “Practice makes perfect.” The same holds true for building reading and learning skills in young children.

Studies show that children experience a learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.  This phenomenon, known as the “summer slide,” is something every parent hopes their child will avoid.  

Summer learning opportunities are fun for the whole family plus they help keep your child’s skills sharp.  Need some ideas?  Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Take advantage of Free Fun Fridays, which offer no-cost admission to treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts, including many here in the Berkshires! Visit HighlandStreet.org for a complete schedule.
• Take pictures of your adventures and create a summer scrapbook with your child. Label the new things you do and learn.
• Read 20 minutes every day! Take turns with your child reading aloud and sharing books. Introduce your child(ren) to newspapers, maps, comic books, or online resources.
• Stargaze together by enjoying a free visit to nearby Williams College Planetarium.
• Visit the library and check out some audio books for car rides.
• Enjoy family-friendly podcasts while doing crafts.
• Cook together following recipes – it’s a fun way to incorporate reading!
• Garden together – learn what vegetables need to survive and how to control garden pests organically.

Most importantly, explore together. Share stories about your childhood, and ask open-ended questions about their interests.  You will create wonderful family memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy learning!

Stephanie
Coordinator of Early Childhood Development