As summer approaches, so does the risk of students losing critical reading and math skills during their break from school. However, University of Minnesota experts advise that strategically utilizing the summer months can help prevent learning loss. Lisa Von Drasek, curator at the University's Kerlan Collection of Children's Literature, and Lesa Clarkson, a professor in the College of Education and Human Development, recently provided some insight on engaging kids over the summer, according to the University of Minnesota's latest discussion.
The duo emphasizes that reading and math should be integral parts of children's summer, but not in the traditional sense, Clarkson pointed out the importance of engaging families in "math that makes a difference," highlighting real-world applications like patterns and daily life mathematics as a way to maintain learning engagement. Von Drasek added, "everything counts" when it comes to reading, advocating for incorporating audiobooks, jokes, and even recipes into daily activities; this approach can make reading an attractive pastime rather than a chore.
Regarding resources that help sustain summer learning, Von Drasek swears by the library card, calling local youth librarians "geniuses in matching the right book with the right kid" and championing community centers for their low-cost educational activities. Clarkson pointed out that summer math needs no special materials with ample opportunities woven into everyday life, things as simple as counting elevator buttons could become lessons for early learners, she mentioned during her interview with the University of Minnesota.
When discussing the benefits of integrating educational activities during summer, Von Drasek warned of the "summer slide," referring to research indicating students could fall behind if they don't engage in reading during the break and stressed the importance of access to varied reading materials, echoing such concerns Clarkson recommends puzzles and games encourage strategic thinking and persistence in facing challenging tasks, helping cultivate a mindset that persists through difficult math problems.
The University of Minnesota offers a treasure trove of resources for families aiming to keep children academically active over the summer, with experiences from the College of Science and Engineering, the Bell Museum, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Additionally, Prepare2Nspire is a university program aiding middle and high school students in math outside of the school year. These programs and activities present unique opportunities for students to experience learning beyond the confines of their classrooms.
