Preparing for Summer Learning during the Last Weeks of School

Summer Learning

There is so much to do as we near the end of the school year: grades, field trips, cleaning, etc. One huge concern for teachers and parents is how to avoid “the summer slide.” What can we do to not only sustain learning, but expand learning and growth over the summer months?

Consider giving your students summer homework, not pages or workbooks of math problems, but hands-on, exploratory, and fun activities that will enhance thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration within families. Simple techniques that will remind students (and parents) about summer learning are summer reading lists and resources for fun summer learning activities. Create summer folders or packets that you give to students during the last week of school. One idea listed below is to make a Summer Fun Shine Can ( from Dr. Jean) filled with engaging learning pursuits. Some teachers include a self-addressed and stamped postcard, which students use to report their progress on summer learning. It gives teachers and students a chance to stay connected and to WRITE over the summer. Consider giving postcards to current students or if you have your class list for next year, it would be a good way to start building those new relationships.

Enjoy the remaining days and make each one positive.

Linda

Resources (Updated May 16, 2013)

• Launching Summer Reading by The Book Whisperer
• 2012 NCTE/CLA Notable Children’s Books in the English Language Arts, The Book Whisperer
• Preparing Students for Summer Reading, Choice Literacy
• Get Ready for Summer! Ideas for Teachers to Share with Families, Reading Rockets
• Ten Weeks of Summer Reading for You and Your Kids, Reading Rockets
• Summer Reading, Scholastic
• Summer Reading Challenge – Scholastic
• Have an A+ Summer, Scholastic (Not just reading)
• Celebrate the First Day of Summer with Summer Reading, ReadWriteThink.org
• Eight Summer Math Ideas, The New York Times (Great ideas, including the Olympics)
• Fun Shine Can, Dr. Jean (Summer activities for your students.)
• Summer Learning Ideas, Scholastic
• 5 Fun Summer Learning Activities
• 2013 Notable Children’s Books (ALSC)

Related articles

• 3 Tips for Parents to Engage Teens in Summer Learning (usnews.com)
• ESL Lessons: Summer Activities for Teens (brighthub.com)