2016 Summer Kansas Child

“Summer shouldn’t just be a vacation. Instead, it should be a time to get ahead, to branch out and learn new
skills, to have new experiences such as acting in a play or doing some outdoor learning. And for anyone who’s
fallen behind, it’s a time to catch up on lessons they missed. And of course, you’ve gotta read, read, read!”
— First Lady Michelle Obama on the occasion of National Summer Learning Day 2015
Learning Doesn’t Stop
By Marcia Dvorak, Brandon Hutton and Rachel Willis, Kansas Enrichment Network
School is out, and youngsters
are ready for a change. Adults are
embracing the end of school and
schedules and worries about being
tardy, homework, and projects.
However, according to the National
Summer Learning Association, we
cannot forget the learning.
All youngsters fall victim to learning
loss if education isn’t a part of summer
experiences.
An equivalent of two months loss in
math computation skills can occur.
The achievement gap widens between
low- and higher-income youth.
Weight gain can occur, especially in
those at high risk of obesity.
We need to engage youth in inquirybased
experiences that blend in
academics. Many summer programs
combine summer school and camp,
combining learning and fun. Some
community-based programs operate
7:30 a.m. till 6 p.m. Mornings offer
sessions with certified teachers for
reading and math practice, often based
on state test scores results. Providers
support the learning components in
the afternoons by scheduling field trips,
guests, or enrichment opportunities
such as visits to the zoo, museums, or
exercise activities such as swimming,
nature hikes or bike rides.
For some, summer is a perfect time
to incorporate social and emotional
learning through board games,
team-building activities, theater and
role-playing. Leaders use teachable
moments to instruct on anti-bullying,
conflict resolution, and team building.
Community or service-learning
opportunities offer youth a chance
to appreciate their community and
experience the joy of giving back.
STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) skills are in
demand for many careers. Give kids
an opportunity to gage their interest
in STEM careers through programs
where they can design straw rockets,
experiment with trebuchets, wire a
cardboard house, construct balancing
toys, or create paper bridges.
Consider establishing a teaching
garden where children learn through
organic gardening projects with raised
garden beds.
For older children, summer is
a good time to take an ACT
review course or participate
in multicultural and
poetry events.
For kids interested in math, consider
math games. Or how about wandering
around a labyrinth with numerical
obstacles and trapdoor puzzles?
Learning during the summer in
Kansas can be exciting and knowledgebuilding
while combatting summer
learning loss. Check for programs
near you.
For parents who want to promote
academics at home, there are many
online options, including:
• Literacy: Scholastic and Reading
Superhero program
• Writing: readwritethink
• Adventure with academics:
Brain Chase
• Creativity: DIY
• Older students: Rocket21
www.kansasenrichmentnetwork
Kansas Child 17