Summer learning is especially beneficial because students do not have the demands of a full school day, and they can accomplish much more in a short period of time. So how do you know if summer learning would be helpful to your student? Consider the following questions.
1. Has your student struggled to keep up with peers this year?
If your student has struggled to stay afloat, chances are good that he developed some foundational gaps over the school year. If you can get those filled in during the summer, then he can start the new year feeling confident and ready for success.
2. Did your student seem overwhelmed by school this year?
If your student felt overwhelmed for a good portion of the school year, she could probably use some better skills for how to “do school.” These skills include things like organizing materials, taking notes, managing time, and preparing for tests. When students are given these tools, they are can start to see more success in the classroom.
3. Was your student complaining of being bored in school this year?
If your student was complaining of being bored by school this year, he has likely lost a love of learning. It is difficult to love something when it is not engaging or interesting, and this is the perfect time to show how learning can be fun and enjoyable. Having a positive attitude about learning is a much better way to start the new year.
4. Has your student seemed unsure of himself this year?
If your student was saying that she can’t do a problem because she’s not smart enough or crying because she’s so frustrated and unsure of herself, it is a good time to address her confidence. Students gain confidence from success, regardless of how small. A summer full of learning success and encouragement will help start the new year on the right foot.
5. Do you think that your student will spend a good amount of her summer in front of a screen?
If your student is planning to spend the summer catching up on some Netflix series, playing video games, and snapchatting friends, some mental exercise would help keep the brain active and engaged. This helps eliminate the brain drain that happens over the summer months, and keeps students from falling behind quickly when the new year begins.
6. Is your student at least one grade level behind in a subject?
If your student was at least one grade level behind in a subject this year, intervention may be necessary. When a deficiency is present, deeper level learning strategies can be incorporated so that students are able to learn better. Using the summer to gain proficiency will help your child trust his abilities and strengths and will start the new year off right.
7. Is your student taking summer school for credit recovery?
If your student has failed a class and needs to recover the credit to move to the next class or graduate, it is normal to feel defeated out of the gate. Sometimes just knowing that there is a trusted person to ask questions to is enough to keep them focused and ahead. Summer school also moves much quicker, and it can be difficult to catch struggles in time. Starting with the help in place will allow for success from the beginning!