Summer Slide and Bridging the Gap
The summer slide has been on educator’s radar since 1996, and educators have been trying to solve the problem ever since. Strengthening the connection of parents as partners could help lessen the summer slide by focusing on targeted skills for as little as an hour a day.
Parents have the power to change everything! They themselves can lessen the gap even before the students arrive back in the classroom in the Fall. Even with limited time and resources, parents can make the difference in less than an hour a day.
First and foremost, reading to a child is crucial. Listening to books read aloud builds crucial vocabulary skills, enriches background knowledge, and develops critical comprehension skills. Read aloud to your child for at least 15 minutes a day.
Try to provide time for your child to practice reading themselves! Take trips to the library and check out that stack of books. Visit online sites that have books available at your child’s level. Some online options are: Pioneer Valley Books, Vooks, Speakaboos, Farfaria, and Epic .
Spend at least 10 minutes playing games with your child to practice skills such as listening, letters, and sounds. Early skills are most easily learned through games, and I’ve made a whole packet of fun to play games for you to use!
Foster creativity and imagination by providing opportunities for arts and crafts projects, construction with materials such as LEGOs, and encourage dramatic and music opportunities.