There was an article in the paper last week lamenting the "summer slide" that elementary students experienced during the school break. Measurable summer learning loss occurs during the months when students don't have "stimulating activities" to keep their mind active. The author suggests that students can lose two months of math learning and even two months of reading, putting them at risk to be behind their peer's achievement when they return to the classroom.
I wonder if adults experience the "summer slide" too. While some may utilize the warmer months to do stimulating travel or other mind-expanding activities, many use the summer for picnics, reading 'trashy novels' on the beach, fishing, gardening and general outdoor recreation. There is an intentional effort to slow down the pace and do mindless activities rather than to have enrichment activities added.
For both generations, I think balance is the key. It is important for "kids to be kids" and be able to have unstructured afternoons at play, and to include reading and learning as part of the summer experience. It is also essential for adults to shift into lower gear and capitalize on the ability to change pace in the summer, but hopefully there is some time for reflection and planning in between those golf games!
The term "summer slide" can have dual meanings. Try to balance your July activities so that you capitalize on the fun aspect while taking steps to prevent the negative outcome that slide implies.
-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com
*"Learning more fun than a summer slide." Eric Dregne in the Telegraph Herald, June 23, 2013, p. 15A.
No comments:
Post a Comment