Elementary School Newsletter - May 10th, 2021
Dearest PCS Families,
With summer quickly approaching, I am sure many of you have been hearing chatter on learning loss and how that is exacerbated over the summer months. We know that summer is a time to rest and rejuvenate! We also know that dedicating a little of that summertime to learning goes a long way the next school year. There are many things that families and schools can do to help children maintain their learning over the summer. Summer school is an option. However, we know that not everyone can or wants to attend summer school for a variety of reasons. Helping your child set aside a bit of time each day to focus on a bit of academic work can really do wonders. Below are a few simple tips to get families started!
1. Read Every Day
The Research
At the middle school level, reading four to five books over the summer has a positive impact on fall reading achievement comparable to attending summer school (Kim, 2004).
Suggestions
Take your kids to the library often and let them choose which books to check out. Listen to books on tape. Subscribe them to a magazine. Take turns reading to each other. Allow your kids to stay up a half hour later at night as long as they're reading.
2. Use Math Every Day
The Research
The largest summer learning losses for all children occur in mathematical computation, an average of 2.6 months (Cooper, 1996).
Suggestions
Do addition or subtraction flashcards and try to beat the recall time from the day before. Practice the multiplication tables by making each point in a basketball game worth 7 points (or 8 or 9). Ask your kids to make change at the drive-thru. Make up math word problems in the car and at the dinner table. Have your child work on i-Ready for 10-15 minutes a day. Play games like Monopoly or Yahtzee.
3. Get Outside and Play
The Research
Intense physical activity programs have positive effects on academic achievement, including increased concentration; improved mathematics, reading, and writing test scores; and reduced disruptive behavior (Journal of School Health 1997).
Suggestions
Find ways to ensure your child is active for 60 minutes each day. Have him or her walk your dog or the neighbor's dog, go swimming, play basketball, tennis, or soccer, take walks, or go for family bike rides. Look for safe, fun ways to play outside together year-round.
4. Write Every Week
The Research
More freshmen entering degree-granting postsecondary institutions take remedial writing courses than take remedial reading courses (NCES 2003).
Suggestions
Ask your child to write a weekly letter to his or her grandparents, relatives, or friends. Encourage him to keep a summer journal. Have her write the family's grocery list. Organize a secret pal writing project for adults and kids at your church or in your community.
5. Do a Good Deed
The Research
Students learn better when they engage in activities to aid in their social-emotional development, such as community service (The Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning, 2004).
Suggestions
Encourage your child to help out neighbors or friends. He or she can volunteer with a local group or complete a service-learning project. Check in with your child daily to see how they are feeling and doing… what is weighing them down and what they are excited about.
Also, be on the lookout for any summer packets or workbooks being sent home or to your child towards the end of the school year. Many teachers make sure to give activities to students to keep their brains engaged in learning. A little time with these each summer day works as well!
This website offers different ideas at different grade levels for different things to do every day for 4 weeks!
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/4-weeks-of-k-5-summer-learning-activities/
As always, if you have a question, need to discuss a matter, or need a simple check-in… my door is always open. Feel free to contact me via phone or email!
p: 314.645.9600 x608 e:dleesman@premiercharterschool.org
Warmly,
Dana