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Ah, summer break—the time for lazy days, icecreams, and endless fun. But did you know that those long months away from school can sometimes have a downside? It's called summer learning loss, and it can impact your child's academic progress. We are all very aware of the ‘Lockdown Learning Loss’, but this similar thing happens every summer.
When school's out and the days stretch before us, it's tempting to let our children take a break from all things educational. After all, they deserve some downtime, right? While it's essential to rest and recharge, it's equally important to maintain mental stimulation during the summer break.
Research has shown that without engaging activities, children can experience summer learning loss. It's like a holiday for their brains, but not in a good way. Studies reveal that students can lose up to two months of academic progress during the summer break. That's a considerable setback that can affect their overall educational development, not to mention their confidence as they take on more challenging lessons in the next year group.
The benefits of summer learning extend beyond academic achievement. Research published in the British Educational Research Journal highlights that summer programs contribute to the development of essential non-cognitive skills, such as self-regulation, resilience, and social competence (1). These skills play a crucial role in a child's overall well-being and long-term success.
In addition to academic benefits, summer learning interventions can have a positive impact on children's attainment and help narrow the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and their peers. According to a report by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), high-quality summer programs that focus on literacy and numeracy skills, combined with engaging activities, can lead to significant improvements in academic outcomes and children can see as much as 3 months progress over the summer break (2).
Summer learning programs also play a vital role in enhancing social mobility. The Sutton Trust, a UK-based educational research organisation, conducted a study that demonstrated how participation in high-quality summer learning initiatives can boost students' aspirations, improve their confidence, and increase their chances of attending university (3). These programs provide opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to bridge the gap and access resources and experiences that may not be readily available to them during the summer break.
But fret not, my comrades! You hold the key to preventing this learning loss and ensuring a fruitful and enjoyable summer for your child. By incorporating educational activities into their daily routine, you can keep their minds sharp and ready for the challenges ahead.
Here are some practical tips and strategies to maintain mental stimulation throughout the summer break:
First, create a schedule that strikes a balance between relaxation and learning. Designate specific times for reading, exploring educational apps, or engaging in hands-on science experiments. It doesn't have to be all textbooks and lectures; learning is everywhere, make it fun and exciting!
Encourage your child to pursue their interests by joining clubs or community programs related to their passions. Whether it's art, music, sports, or coding, finding activities that align with their hobbies will keep them engaged and motivated to learn. Exciting, project based activities such as Making the Grade's Mini Movie Makers course provide a fantastic opportunity for children to tap into their creativity and develop critical skills. Learning the art of storytelling, scriptwriting, filming, and editing, all while creating their own captivating short films. It's a journey that nurtures imagination, boosts confidence, and creates their own YouTube channel; how cool is that? Something to stimulate every part of the brain!
Don't forget the power of educational outings. Museums, libraries, and local attractions offer a treasure trove of knowledge and interactive experiences. Take your child on exciting field trips, and let them explore history, science, and art in a hands-on way.
For those students leaving primary education and transitioning to secondary school, Making the Grade has a course specially designed for them. The 'Transition to Year 7' course focuses on building essential skills such as organisation, time management, and study techniques. It also provides the necessary social-emotional support to ease the transition and set students up for success in their new educational journey.
By embracing summer learning opportunities, parents can help their children maintain momentum in their education, strengthen core skills, and foster personal growth. So, as you plan your child's summer activities, consider the power of summer learning. Explore reputable programs and initiatives in the UK that align with your child's interests and educational needs. By investing in summer learning, you can provide your child with a pathway to enhanced academic achievement, personal development, and future success.
Remember, summer should still be a time of fun and relaxation, but with the added bonus of keeping those young minds active and ready to tackle new challenges when the next school year arrives. It should also be fun and relaxing for you so look carefully in your local area as there are many things you can do completely free, you just need to be organised!
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References:
(1): Thomson, D., & Russell, E. (2012). 'The things I'm gonna do for the future': Exploring the impact of a summer school intervention on young people's aspirations. British Educational Research
(2): Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). (2019). Making the Best of Summer: An EEF Guide for Schools. EEF.
(3): The Sutton Trust. (2014). Summer Schools: Impact and Best Practice. The Sutton Trust.
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