By Michael Browning
Summer is a time for fun, family vacations and a well-earned break from school. But for elementary and middle school students, the extended time away from the classroom can also lead to summer learning loss.
Research has consistently shown that students can lose ground in both reading and math over the summer without regular practice. The good news is that preventing summer learning loss doesn’t require hours of schoolwork each day. A little consistency each week can make a big difference.
Reading remains one of the best ways to keep students academically engaged over the summer. Establish a weekly reading goal based on your child’s grade level. A kindergarten or first-grade student should aim for about 90 minutes of reading each week. A second- or third-grade student should read for approximately 120 minutes. The recommendation increases to 150 minutes for a fourth- or fifth-grade student and 180 minutes for students in sixth through eighth grade. For younger children, reading together with a parent or family member is just as valuable as independent reading.
Math skills also need regular practice, but that doesn’t mean students need to spend hours completing worksheets. Families can easily incorporate math into everyday activities by having children estimate grocery totals, measure ingredients while cooking, calculate discounts while shopping or help manage a summer allowance. These simple, real-world experiences help keep math skills sharp.
Science and writing deserve attention as well. Simple science experiments using household items, exploring nature or asking children to explain how something works encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Students can strengthen their writing by keeping a journal, writing about family vacations or creating short stories. Educational apps can also provide meaningful practice in reading, math, coding and other subjects when balanced with outdoor play and family activities. Community service projects, such as neighborhood cleanups, also help students apply what they’ve learned while developing a sense of responsibility.
The Delaware Valley offers countless opportunities to continue learning outside the classroom. The Franklin Institute features interactive science exhibits, the Philadelphia Zoo introduces children to biology and conservation, and Independence National Historical Park brings history and civics to life. Families with younger children can also enjoy hands-on educational play at the Please Touch Museum. Local libraries throughout the region also offer outstanding free summer reading programs, activities and events that help keep students engaged all summer long.
Summer should absolutely be a time for making memories. Fortunately, many of those memories can also become valuable learning experiences. Reading together before bed, cooking a meal as a family, exploring a museum or visiting the local library all help students continue learning without feeling like they’re in school.
A few hours of learning spread throughout the week can help ensure students return to the classroom confident, prepared and ready for a successful school year. ••
Michael Browning is the principal of Keystone Academy Charter School in Tacony.
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