Keeping Minds Sharp: Summer Learning Resources to Prevent Learning Loss
As the school year comes to a close, many parents find themselves wondering how to keep their children engaged in learning during the summer months. Research has shown that children can experience learning loss over the summer break, leading to a decline in academic skills and knowledge. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and activities available to prevent summer learning loss and keep children's minds sharp during the break. Here, we explore some ideas and resources to keep children engaged in educational activities all summer long.
1. Reading Challenges and Programs
Encouraging children to read regularly over the summer is one of the most effective ways to prevent learning loss. Many libraries and educational organizations offer summer reading programs and challenges to incentivize reading. Parents can help their children set reading goals, track their progress, and explore new genres and authors. Consider creating a cozy reading nook at home or participating in virtual book clubs to foster a love of reading. Check out your local library for programs and activities this summer.
TD Reading Club: https://www.tdsummerreadingclub.ca/
Forest of Reading: https://forestofreading.com/
TDSB Just Read It: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Just-Read-It
2. Educational Apps and Websites
There is a wide variety of educational apps and websites available that offer interactive games, lessons, and activities to support learning in various subjects. Platforms like Khan Academy, ABCmouse, and SplashLearn provide engaging and educational content across subjects like math, language arts, science, and more. Parents can incorporate these apps and websites into their child's daily routine as a fun and effective way to reinforce academic skills.
TPL Kids: https://kids.tpl.ca/
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
TVO Learn: https://tvolearn.com/
3. Online Tutoring with Merrill Mentors
Summer is an excellent time to take advantage of online tutoring services to provide personalized support and reinforcement in challenging subjects. A child may need help catching up on missed concepts from the previous school year or can take the opportunity to get ahead and prepare for the upcoming academic year. Online tutoring services can help them stay on track and reach their goals.
At Merrill Mentors, we specialize in online tutoring that is tailored to each student's individual learning goals and needs. Our tutors are experienced in a wide range of subjects, including math, science, language arts, and test preparation. With one-on-one tutoring sessions conducted remotely, students can continue to receive high-quality instruction and academic support from the comfort of their own home, even during the summer break. Sign up for online tutoring with Merrill Mentors today and give your child the personalized attention and support they need to succeed academically all year round.
4. STEM Activities and Experiments
Summer is the perfect time for children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts through hands-on activities and experiments. Parents can set up simple science experiments at home using household materials, visit local museums or science centers, or enroll their children in STEM-focused camps or workshops. Encouraging curiosity and exploration in STEM subjects can spark a lifelong interest in these fields.
5. Virtual Learning Opportunities
With the rise of online learning platforms, children can access a wide range of virtual learning opportunities from the comfort of their own home. Virtual classes, workshops, and webinars cover a variety of topics, from coding and robotics to creative writing and art. Parents can explore online learning platforms like Outschool, and Udemy to find classes that align with their child's interests and learning goals.
6. Outdoor and Nature Activities
Summer is a great time for children to get outside and explore the natural world. Parents can plan outdoor adventures like nature hikes, camping trips, and visits to local parks and gardens. Encourage children to observe and document plants, animals, and natural phenomena they encounter, fostering an appreciation for the environment and scientific inquiry.
TPL Storywalks: https://kids.tpl.ca/posts/263
Great Parks In Toronto: https://www.familyfuncanada.com/toronto/family-parks-playgrounds/
Bird Kingdom: https://www.birdkingdom.ca/
7. Family Learning Projects
Engage the whole family in learning by embarking on a collaborative learning project. Whether it's building a backyard vegetable garden, creating a family cookbook, or researching and planning a virtual vacation itinerary, involving children in real-world, hands-on projects promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. You can also visit Kids Out and About website for updated posts on family friendly educational ideas and events, from museums, heritage and cultural events, and creative art programs.
There are countless resources and activities available to keep children engaged in learning and prevent summer learning loss. By incorporating reading challenges, educational apps, online tutoring, STEM activities, virtual learning opportunities, outdoor adventures, and family projects into their summer routine, parents can ensure that their children continue to grow and thrive academically during the break. With a little creativity and planning, summer can be a time of exploration, discovery, and meaningful learning experiences for children of all ages.
