{"id":4855,"date":"2017-06-23T15:03:48","date_gmt":"2017-06-23T22:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/seewhatgrows.flywheelsites.com\/?p=4855"},"modified":"2017-06-23T15:10:56","modified_gmt":"2017-06-23T22:10:56","slug":"prevent-learning-loss-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seewhatgrows.org\/us\/prevent-learning-loss-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Your Children From Experiencing Learning Loss Over the Summer by Going Outdoors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Summer learning loss (also known as summer brain drain) is a very real thing. What is it? It is the loss of knowledge and academic skills over the course of summer vacation. The deficit in learning varies in degree across grade level, subject matter, and household income. Here are four ways how to prevent your children from experiencing learning loss this summer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Summer vacation is days away and children across the country are ecstatic. While parents are excited about the opportunity to enjoy quality time with them that doesn’t involve the threat of withholding dessert until homework is done, there is one notable cause for concern – summer learning loss.<\/p>\n

Summer learning loss (also known as summer brain drain<\/em>) is a very real thing. What is it? It represents the loss of knowledge and academic skills over the course of summer vacation. The deficit in learning varies in degree across grade level, subject matter, and household income.<\/p>\n

Harvard studies<\/strong> indicate that on average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of learning in math<\/a> over the season. Students also lose an estimated 2 months worth of reading skills over the same period. The above statistics are the norm, but when you factor in income level the achievement gap widens. Studies show<\/a> that children from low-income households fall further behind. In fact, by fifth grade, the cumulative summer brain drain can leave low-income students up to three years behind their peers. What’s the reason for this? Low income families are not able to supplement any of the resources that the schools had been providing through the rest of the year. Below is an infographic that draws attention to some impactful statistics:<\/p>\n

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Simply put, summer learning loss is a concern for the entire country and should be addressed by every household that counts students in the mix. The solution lies in choosing affordable, effective and engaging activities that your children will enjoy. Read ahead to find out how you can keep your kids learning through the season.<\/p>\n

4 Ways to Keep Your Children from Experiencing Learning Loss This Summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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1. Create a Schedule of Outdoor Learning Experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here’s the good news. Your child loves going outside in the summer and as it turns out, outdoor experiences are among of the most effective ways to facilitate learning. The benefits are numerous. For one, it helps them apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in the months\/year prior. It also improves cognitive functioning, improves physical health (also good for the brain), and enhances social skills. Read more on the key benefits<\/a> of outdoor learning. <\/p>\n

So now that you know, it’s time to plan activities. Here are some engaging ideas:<\/p>\n