Schools Out and the Summer Blues: Battling the Regression Monster

Ah, summer! The days grow longer, the sun shines brighter, and the school bell rings, signaling a much-deserved break for students everywhere. While children celebrate their newfound freedom, parents and educators often face a persistent worry: regression. This term refers to the loss of academic skills that can occur when students step away from structured learning environments. Let’s explore effective strategies to combat this regression monster and maximize summer break!

Understanding Regression

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to grasp the nature of regression and its causes. Simply put, regression happens when students forget or lose certain skills and knowledge due to a lack of regular practice.

Loss of learning can be significant during summer breaks. Studies show that children can lose up to two months of math and reading skills while not actively engaged in educational activities. Understanding this stark reality can empower parents to take proactive steps and keep their kids learning during the summer months.

Create a Summer Learning Plan

The most effective way to combat regression is to create a structured plan that combines learning with fun. Here are some ways you can initiate a summer learning adventure at home.

Set Educational Goals

Begin by identifying the skills that need reinforcement. Discuss your child’s favorite subjects and any challenges they faced during the school year. For example, if your child struggled with multiplication, set a goal to practice multiplication facts through engaging games and quizzes.

Build a Reading List

Reading is an exceptional way to enhance skills and prevent regression. Create a summer reading list based on your child's interests. Include a balance of genres and formats, such as graphic novels, audiobooks, and traditional novels. For instance, encourage your child to read at least five books over the summer, setting a small reward for each milestone they hit. Often your public library during the summer has their own reading program started with their own rewards. Last summer my local library offered students who read 10 books (no specific length or genre) rewards. These rewards ranged anywhere from a free book to a free McDonalds Meal and other local attractions and places for free.

Incorporate Learning Games

Learning can be exciting! Use board games or educational apps to make learning enjoyable. Plan dedicated game nights featuring educational games or suggest them to explore interactive learning apps that feel like play while providing valuable knowledge. Some of my favorite games that are easy to adapt to many subjects are Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. For older kids you could even utilize monopoly.

So, what does this look like? Before someone can move around the board, have them practice a skill. If someone is working on identifying items, show them an item and ask, "what is it", if they get it right praise and they get to go. However, if they get it wrong, it is very important to make sure you do not point out that was wrong instead, repeat the question and give the right answer, and then after they repeat praise and they take their turns. The same can be utilized for sight words, and math facts, before every turn throw in a problem to solve or flash card and have them answer it. However, parents it is only fun and fair if they get to ask you questions as well!

Colorful board game ready for family game night

Keep a Routine

While summer should provide a break from routine, maintaining a loose daily schedule can help keep some structure. For example, block off two hours each day for educational activities. These may seem like a huge feat, and you have now reached the point where you think I've lost my mind. However, here me out, you can mix these with breaks and plenty of outdoor fun to keep your child engaged while avoiding overwhelm.

This educational fun can even be outdoors. If you have been following me at Advocate for Special Needs you know my own children are 5, 4, and 1. So this summer I set up a water table outside, even just a tub of water will work. Then I went to target (was cheaper than dollar stores new prices) and bought packs of 4 sponges. I cut up one sponge into four pieces and on the pieces, I used a sharpie to write letters and numbers.

Some of the activities we do are:

*Compete who can get the most letters in their bucket and name them- they win who gets to pick the next tv show/ movie

*Number Identification- as they find numbers we work on identifying them and putting them in order.

*Spelling their names with the letters

*Lay out the letters or numbers and have them find something that starts with that letter or with each number place that many items with each number

These activities do not have to be elaborate or take a lot of money or time to create

Morning Learning Sessions

Mornings are perfect for focused learning. Spend time reviewing math problems, reading together, or practicing writing skills. You can make it more enjoyable by incorporating fun themes or rewards for task completion. For instance, reward them with a small treat after finishing a reading session, such as free choice, 10 minutes of video games, a show on tv, a trip to the park, etc...

Afternoon Explorations

Reserve afternoons for fun but educational outings! Local museums, science centers, and nature parks offer excellent learning experiences that can spark curiosity and excitement. You might schedule a trip to a nearby science museum at least once a month. Many of these places offer discounts or free admission days for students during the summer. Some of these places even offer places for parents to work while their children play. Our local library and Well Span Health partner to create an outdoor scavenger hunt at all of the local parks in our county. Once all of the signs have been found, the kids win prizes

Science in the Wild

Prompt your child to observe plants and animals, collect leaves, or even start a small garden. For example, they can start with herbs like basil or mint. This hands-on experience makes science lessons memorable and relatable.

Encourage Creative Expression

Learning isn’t confined to traditional subjects; incorporating the arts is equally important! Encouraging creativity through art, music, and writing can enhance cognitive abilities and keep your child engaged.

Arts and Crafts

Set aside time for arts and crafts in which your child can unleash their creativity. Use various materials for this, whether it's painting, sculpting, or creating useful projects like homemade greeting cards for family members. These do not always need to be messy, they can be super simple. Even STEM related, Kool Aid Playdoh is a favorite in our house and takes maybe ten minutes to make and is mess free (depending how hard they stir.

Story Writing

Motivate your child to write stories or create comic strips. This taps into their imagination while also fostering their writing and literacy skills. Perhaps challenge them to write a short story each week. Or for younger kids have them try to tell you a story. Read a book with them and ask what they remember or if the book were to continue what do they think would happen.

Stay Connected with Learning Communities

Summer can feel isolating for kids, especially if friends are on vacation. Keep your child connected with peers through learning communities such as summer camps, classes, or group projects.

Join a Summer Camp

Look for local camps that focus on academic growth while also providing social opportunities. For example, camps that combine science, art, and outdoor activities align well with combating regression. I know, I know, summer camps can be expensive, but there are cheap or free groups in your area that meet each week. Check your local library, local homeschooling groups, Facebook happenings, etc.

Form a Study Group

For older kids organize a small study group with your child's friends. Meeting a few times during summer for fun learning activities can keep everyone engaged and motivated.

Utilize Technology

While outdoor activities are important, integrating technology can also provide valuable learning opportunities. Numerous online educational resources are available to help reinforce skills. Some that we really enjoy are Splash Learn, Boddle, and Prodigy. Boddle and Prodigy are great if you have kids that enjoy video games such as Minecraft or ROBLOX.

Learning Apps and Websites

Explore apps and websites that make learning enjoyable. From math drills to reading comprehension, educational technology can play a significant role in maintaining summer learning. For example, apps like Khan Academy Kids or ABCmouse offer engaging, interactive lessons.

Virtual Field Trips

If traveling isn’t feasible, consider virtual field trips to museums, planetariums, or historical landmarks. These interactive experiences can spark interest across a variety of subjects, making learning exciting from the comfort of home.

Nutrition and Well-Being

Remember, your child’s physical well-being significantly impacts their cognitive abilities. Ensuring they consume healthy meals, get enough sleep, and have time for physical activity is just as critical as academic reinforcement.

Balanced Diet

Encourage a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Healthy snacks can enhance concentration and cognitive performance. Aim to stock up on fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins. Involve your child in meal preparation for added engagement.

Stay Active

Physical activity keeps the mind sharp! Encourage swimming, biking, or playing outside as part of their daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Reviewing When School Starts Again

As summer winds down, plan back-to-school review sessions to refresh your child’s mind before the new school year. This will ease their transition and revive their learning momentum.

Recap Summer Learning

Spend time reviewing what they learned over the summer. Have engaging discussions about the books they've read or projects they've tackled, reinforcing their achievements.

Set Back-to-School Goals

Talk about what they hope to achieve in the upcoming school year. Setting goals together fosters excitement for the new academic year and its possibilities.

Wrapping Up

Summer break can be a mixed blessing—freedom from school and the potential for regression. However, with creativity, structure, and engagement, you can battle the regression monster and make summer both educational and fun for your child! Embrace a blend of learning activities, outdoor adventures, and creative expression to ensure your child returns to school ready to embrace the new year with confidence. Having a schedule (even if you do not always stick to it, remember mama of 3 toddlers here I get it), does help with the day running more smoothly and helps to feel less chaotic. Get ready to celebrate summer learning and cheer your child toward success!