You may have heard the term ”use it or lose it.” This rings true for students with learning differences during their summer hiatus. Summer learning loss can set kids back 2-3 months! Swapping school skills for fun in the sun is not a good idea.
To avoid the “brain drain”, maintain consistency with your weekly sessions and practice. If you are not in tutoring sessions, consider picking back up over the summer to refresh your child’s skills, prevent loss, and even pick up momentum.
Summer Reading Lists can also motivate reluctant readers to complete the books and collaborate with other students. Start With a Book is a great program that offers parents guidance and activity choices to keep things interesting.
Another idea is to have your child write in a daily journal. They can create a keepsake while sharpening their skills in written expression. You can help them revise and edit two weekly entries to maintain strong spelling and grammar techniques. Of course, the local library is an incredible outlet for book clubs and literacy-rich activities. Have a cook in the house? Measuring ingredients while cooking and reading instructions in a recipe is another engaging way to incorporate learning into summer entertainment.
The bottom line is that it is optional to maintain the same rigid school learning environment over the summer. However, if you infuse academic elements into each day, kids can catch up when school starts back up.
Therapist Spotlight: Rebecca Neyhard, M.ED., SLD
Rebecca has degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She is also a certified reading specialist for grades Pre-K-12. In addition, she has initial and advanced training using the Orton-Gillingham Methodology. She received her initial certification in 2003 after 9 months of training and practicum through Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc (formerly 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers, Inc.). Then, in 2006, she completed another 9 months of advanced training with the same organization. This organization uses a training program through The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC), which in turn is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). She must complete 30 hours of training every 3 years to keep her certification valid. Rebecca has been with Building Pathways for 3 years but has worked with struggling readers for over 20 years.
When not working, Rebecca loves spending time with her family, including her husband, two children, and her pet Alaskan Malamute and turtle.
One parent sent an email with these thoughts:
“Rebecca has taken our son from a non-reader to a student on the honor roll, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the dedication and care she has given him.”
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