Simple Strategies to Keep Your Child Learning Over the Summer  /  by Bethann Wilson

Relaxing with some watercolors. Photo credit: Pexels

Relaxing with some watercolors. Photo credit: Pexels

by Kristin Louis of www.parentingwithkris.com

If your child is struggling with their academic performance, you’re not alone. About 20% of school-age children deal with one kind of learning and attention issue or another. These issues are usually the culprit when a child isn’t doing well in school, and they vary both in types and degrees of impact. 

While summer is meant to be a break from the routine of school life, children who are having a hard time in their studies shouldn’t completely forget about school for an entire two to three months. Fortunately, you can take steps as a parent to help your child improve their education while also allowing them to enjoy their summer break. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Talk to your child’s teacher. 

If your child is behind in school, it can help to speak with their teacher from the past year. Their teacher may be able to fill you in on some of the issues and provide perspective on steps that 

can be taken. Also, they may be able to give you curriculum-related material to work through with your child over the summer. 

Prioritize daily reading time. 

No matter what subjects your child is struggling with, reading can help improve their studies. Assuming there is no reading material assigned by the school over the break, let your child decide what books to read and create a summer reading list. If your child is below grade level in their reading skills, you may want to read with them to help them sound out and grasp the meanings of certain words. Moreover, see if there are any reading groups at the local library, as this can add an element of fun to the experience. 

Emphasize problem areas. 

If your child has any specific areas of study they are struggling with, pinpoint and prioritize those areas. For instance, if they’re having a hard time in math, give them two or three math problems to complete each day. If they’re struggling with science, come up with a fun science experiment for them to do at home. Likewise with writing; provide your child a creative writing topic and ask them to write a one-paragraph story each week. Be sure to be nearby while your child does any projects, so that you can assist in any way needed. 

Tap into creativity. 

Allowing your child to use their creativity and imagination can be a great way to enhance their learning. So roll up your sleeves together and dive into some crafts that double as educational activities. Making a state map collage can be a great geography lesson, as can creating a papier mache globe of the world. Or pull out the paint and graph paper for a Mondrian-Fibonacci pattern activity that can help with math skills. 

Try educational games. 

Whether you’re on a family trip or you just need to keep your child occupied, allow them to use a tablet for educational gaming. There are tons of education apps available, and you can choose apps based on your child’s age and grade level. If you’re letting your child use your tablet, be sure it’s in a durable case and has a screen protector to shield the glass; both of these can keep your tablet safe in the event of a drop. 

Make the new school year an event. 

Finally, make a big deal of the new school year approaching. In the weeks leading up to the start date, celebrate your child’s efforts and improvements over the summer break, and reward them with a party or special trip somewhere. Take this opportunity to reinforce a positive outlook on school and encourage your child that they can succeed academically. 

When a child struggles in school, it’s hard for both the child and the parent, but you don’t have to sit back and do nothing. Introduce your child to educational programming, and ask their teacher for advice on steps you can take. Implement a daily reading time, focus on any areas your child is having the hardest time with, and make the upcoming school year a cause for celebration. Most importantly, enjoy the time with your child over the summer! 

Photo Credit: Pexels