Stop Summer Learning Loss
but
Don’t Stop Learning!
Studies vary concerning learning loss over the long summer holiday; however, they all do show substantial losses for those students who are struggling in the first place. Even straight “A” students tend to show some loss if not engaged over the months away from learning.
How to avoid summer learning loss
Read ! 
This cannot be overstated
Reading is so important. The choice of reading material is less a factor than the act and the follow-up.
Don’t read “blindly” – engage yourself with the material by talking about what you’ve read with others, look to learn more about the topic, write about what you’ve read, comment or blog about it. Use any method you like to make sure that you aren’t forgetting as fast as you are reading.
Also, remember the library – often free reading material of all kinds there!
Write ! 
Write a journal.
Write about what you have been reading (see above).
Start a blog about your favourite topic.
Write letters (astonish your friends and the world!).
Write some poems.
Parents
Ask for opinions and comments on T.V. shows or Internet/video games, etc.
NOTE: Be sure to ask open questions not closed questions.
An open question invites more conversation, whereas a closed question generally elicits only a “yes” or “no” response.
Example:
Open question – “What did you like about the main character ?”
Closed question – “Did you like the main character?”
Don’t be too quick to judge opinions (despite the lack of logic or maturity). It is just important to keep paying attention and engaging with material. A great deal of learning comes from talking it out and hearing one’s own ideas aloud. Self-correction tends to happen in stages.
Of course, you can discuss any reading material and current events. It is always a great idea to get young people thinking about the world around them and how they are interconnected with everything that is going on.
In the park, talk about the animals, birds, trees. There are lots of great guidebooks and, of course, the ubiquitous internet to help you learn about these things yourself! The best kind of learning is “learning together.” I always tell my students that I am learning every moment I’m with them. And it’s true! If your mind is open to learning – the opportunities are constant.
Visit local sites (many are free).
Find out more about your local history or community. The library is a great place to start but also information groups, historical organizations, and museums often have loads of interesting bits of information.
It is amazing what a positive effect having a solid adult role model can be for a child. He or she will learn but also be able to use that knowledge more effectively. Memorizing facts is relatively useless (unless you’re going on Jeopardy!) without context and connection.
Tutoring
Of course – a little tutoring each week can work to retain past lessons and help to prepare for the next year!
Reading, writing, math, and study skills practice during the summer prepares one for the September rush of information and new skills.
A private tutor who creates an individualized program and delivers lessons suited to the student can make all the difference.
Come see what a professional tutor and personalized program can do for you or your child. In-person or online tutoring (or a combination).
www.tutoringcentral.com
e-mail: tutoringcentral@inbox.com
Phone: 519 824 0982
I have been a tutor and educational coach for over twenty years. I look forward to working with you and/or your child.
Ron Johnson
Video: Summer Learning Loss