Bridging the Summer Learning Gap

Summer is here, school is out and now is the time for pool parties and barbecues with families and friends. However; as a parent, in the back of your mind you may be concerned with your child’s academic needs and possible “summer slide,” a phrase used to describe the slide backward that many children make in reading and math skills over the academic break. A 2018 study found that in the summer after third grade, students lose close to 20 percent of their school-year reading gains together with 27 percent of their school-year gains in math. Summer learning loss increases with age through elementary and middle school. Giving them an advantage in their next classroom should also be a priority combined with the Summer fun that is planned for the family schedule.

In 6 short weeks, the next school year will be upon us and a whole new academic year will begin for your child. There is nothing more important to parents than their child’s health and education. As an educator, I feel that the main thing parents can do during the summer break is to make sure their child is reading every day. They should also be encouraged and instructed to practice a variety of phonics, comprehension and math strategies, encouraging your child to devote a small bit of time each day to keeping up skills. These daily habits will help build their knowledge and allow for measurable and meaningful learning gains. Especially true for children in need of special accommodations or who deal with learning disabilities, in my practice, I find that summer is the best time to find one-on-one direct instruction without the pressure of the hectic school weekday schedule.

Individual tutoring with the help of a math tutor allows for each child to enjoy special attention without distractions or school pressures. It’s never too late to take the first step toward identifying the child’s need and then work with them using different strategies, manipulatives and a variety of curriculum resources. All of these tools combined will provide them the best opportunities for individualized learning gains. I’m committed to making a difference in the lives of others and watching them grow and prosper academically. I look forward to helping each child discover their gifts and the strengths that they have within themselves.

For more than 10 years, Lindsay Henratty has been an educator. She is ESE and K-6 Certified. During the summer, she works individually with children to help them bridge the vacation gap with one-on-one service. Help your child start the new school year with a confident edge. Contact Lindsay to schedule your child’s in home, private tutoring sessions. Please call 954-854-1237.

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