Summer’s almost here! That means it’s time for students around the country to forget all about school and learning, right? Wrong! While it’s crucial for kids to get a break from school and enjoy themselves during the summer, it doesn’t mean they should stop learning and developing their brains entirely. In this article, we’ll look at summer learning and explain why it’s so important for students.

Why Summer Learning Is a Necessity

Summer learning may sound like a bore to students, but it is essential to their continued education and development. This is because summer learning helps to prevent summer learning loss. Summer learning loss—also known as the “summer slide”—refers to students regressing while they are out of school in the summer, then returning in the fall at a lower academic level than when they left.

This is problematic because it can lead to students falling behind in school, and can also contribute to the achievement gap since students from low-income families are most likely to be affected by summer learning loss. One study suggests that students could even lose the majority of what they learned the previous year. So, what can you do to promote summer learning and make sure your child doesn’t suffer from summer learning loss?

Make a plan and stick to it. Students should be learning at least 2-3 hours a week during the summer, and should be focusing on a variety of subjects. Have them read books, complete activities using math, and take part in other recreational activities that are fun for them but use critical thinking skills. Here are some activities to consider:

• A summer reading program with a certain number of books for the summer
• Online and offline math games
• Playing board games that use math skills
• Going to zoos, museums, and nature experiences
• Signing them up for camps, especially ones with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) focus
• Letting them join a youth program in your area

Just because kids will be learning during the summer doesn’t mean it will be boring. Consider signing your child up for a summer learning program where they can be around other kids their age, learn in fun and exciting ways, and even discover new skills to learn over the summer.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta aim to serve the children in our communities, especially by helping them be successful in the classroom and continue learning even when they’re out of school. Each of our clubs provides kids with a safe place to play, learn, exercise, and receive nutritious foods. 

We also offer core programs to help students succeed in school, like our Project Learn and Power Hour programs, among many others. Find out how you can get involved with our organization by signing your child up for a summer club or program, making a donation, or volunteering to help our cause today!