Celebrate Summer!
Summer is in full swing and I am here for it…
… bugs, burns and all!
I love conversations around the fire,
reading on the beach,
watching a new release movie,
playing word games and puzzles.
Did you realize that all these things are activities that directly grow and foster literacy skills?!? And I wasn’t even trying!
But perhaps there has been conversation around the campfire, or at the playground and the “Summer Slide” and you’re wondering if it’s something you should be worried about? And no, it’s not the one on the playground (though those can be troublesome too…) I’m talking about the one where your child falls behind on their reading or writing abilities over the summer.
Is it a thing? Sure. Do you need to worry about it? No.
Embrace the Season
The “summer slide” refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that can occur over the summer break. Just like everything in life, there are ebbs and flows. While direct instruction does bring a level of growth, there are so many things that you can do (and probably are already doing) daily that will naturally strengthen your child’s literacy skills.
My best advice? Be present. Enjoy the moments. Summer is one of my favourite times of the year. I love being in the sun, getting away for vacation, being near the water, BBQs with family and friends. It’s nice to take a break and have a change of pace after the busyness of the school year.
Ways to prevent the summer slide
If you do want to be intentional about building literacy skills over the summer, though, I’ve got you! You don’t need to buy workbooks or plan intensive learning activities, just schedule 30 minutes a day to incorporate some of the following activities and your child will grow their skills while you connect as a family. Activities that will naturally strengthen literacy skills (and build connection within your family):
– from making grocery lists,
– to doing word searches,
– to reading a comic book together on the couch,
– to watching a family movie,
– to sharing jokes around the dinner table…
The list goes on! These are all strong, literacy based activities that use reading, writing, vocabulary, speaking and listening. You’re helping without even realizing it! Good job!
And if you’re not doing any of those things (they’re merely suggestions anyway), it’s not too late to get started! No, you don’t need to go out and buy a workbook. Find a fun word game or listen to an audiobook together the next time you’re on a road trip, and trust that your natural learner is taking in more than you realize. Don’t stress it, enjoy it. Make the most of summer!
Want more?
If you’re wondering if there is more you can be doing to help your child, grab my Summer Literacy Pack. It’s full of tips and activities to keep your family engaged all summer long. Or if you think they need more individualized support or accountability, sign up for Summer Sessions, beginning August 1.
