Fun in the Sun! Preventing Summer Slide.

By. Meredith Biesinger 

Summer is here! The longer days of extra sunshine became a little sweeter as teachers and students will enjoy extra time outside the classroom. In the back of teachers’ minds, and many parents too, is some anxiety about what is known as “the summer slide.”

Have no fear! Consistent learning opportunities can prevent the summer slide. Learning opportunities are around us every day, and if utilized, students can maintain their learning skills and sharpen them before they return to school in August. 

Here are 10 ways to learn this summer. 

1. Read a book or lots of books! By the pool, in a fort in the living room, outside in the backyard, or in the car on a family trip. Find a good book or book series and dive in. 

2. Don’t forget about your local library. Libraries have all kinds of summer activities, and they’re usually free. 

3. Make a bird house or feeder. 

4. Go on a scavenger hunt around your town or city. Implement words and numbers, and learn without realizing it!

5. Play card games, while practicing math skills.

6. Play I Spy. 

7. Grow a garden. 

8. Start a summer journal. 

9. Have a movie night, and then write a movie review. Don’t forget the snacks!

10. Paint in the park. Grab some art supplies, visit your local park, and paint what you see or whatever you’d like! 

Enjoy the sunshine! The only summer slide anyone should be worried about is a water slide this summer. Learning is fun and should be fun for young minds, especially during the summertime. Utilize daily learning opportunities all around you; by doing so, you’ll not only keep young minds sharp, but you’ll also encourage lifelong learning.