School is almost out for summer and for children around the country it means “No more pencils. No more books. No more teachers’ dirty looks.” But for educators, librarians, and parents it also means many children will succumb to the Summer Slide. What is the Summer Slide you ask?
The Summer Slide is the tendency for children to lose some of the academic gains they had made during the previous school year. Research has shown that children experience significant learning loss over the summer but how do we prevent it:
- Have children read every day for 20 minutes; approximately 4 to 6 books over the summer.
- Children read more when the important adults in their lives are also readers so pick up a book and read.
- Let children choose their own books; the school year is so regimented and summer is supposed to be fun.
- Go to the library to check out books, attend some great programs and join this year’s Summer Learning Adventure.
Tacoma Library’s Summer Learning Adventure starts June 1st and this year we have a program for little kids, kids, teens, and adults. Get the whole family reading this summer and have fun while preventing the Summer Slide!
