Parents must not let kids forget all that they learned
Parents and kids alike sigh with relief at the end of another school year. Yet years of studies show that summer “brain drain” is a very real phenomenon. Over the summer, the average student loses more than two months of grade-level equivalency in math skills.
Luckily parents have somewhere to turn with the implementation of children’s enrichment programs, shifting summer breaks into learning opportunities.
“Summer is an ideal time for children to build on their math and science skills, instead of losing them, which is known as the ‘summer slide,’” said Michelle Cote, founder and creative director of Bricks 4 Kidz.
Summer camps with an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) allow children to collaborate with their peers, teaching teamwork and organization while enhancing self-esteem and improving fine motor skills.
Parents looking for a way to combat the unfortunate educational losses have been encouraged by the growth of enrichment programs and the pool of talented instructors. Teachers who also have a summer break are flocking to these programs where they are given the freedom to be creative, teaching the way that they have always imagined.
Summer months are an excellent time for kids to not only fill learning gaps but also get ahead of the curve for the upcoming year. Parents should look for a program that:
Encourages curiosity and cognitive development, the ability to think and understand.
Uses the tools that children relate to.
Offers engaging activities that boost self-esteem.
