Fredericksburg Parent

May 2015

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36 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2015 F or many students and families, summer is a time of rest, reflection and renewal. long days are filled with video games, television, and vacation, but could all of this relaxation actually be a bad thing? Research shows that kids who do not participate in structured and stimulating summer activi- ties lose out academically. This learning loss, frequently referred to as summer "brain drain", on average, results in a loss of two months of math skills and up to a month in other academic areas. However, there is a lot that parents can do to prevent summer learning loss. Research suggests that programs focused on remedial, accelerated, or enriched learning have a positive impact. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider enrolling your child in an academically-focused summer program: by NINA PARRISH learning corner Benefits 1. Summer school programs can help your child catch u p academically. If your child did poorly during the school year, is in danger of repeat- ing a grade, or is struggling with read- ing or math skills, an academic sum- mer program can help them to catch up and to maintain the skills that they cur- rently have. Parents can explore programs that are offered through the public school system or seek out individual or small group tutoring for their student over the summer. In general, there are specific requirements to attend public school remedial summer school programs. However, some districts offer both remedial and enrichment programs. Students who are at or above grade level can explore academic interests not offered during the regular school year, challenge themselves with more difficult course material, or learn new skills during the summer. **Check my blog, The learning Zone, for updated information on specific summer school programs. 2. Parents can use academic summer programs to accelerate their student's skills or help them get ahead academically. of Programs lasting between 60 and 120 hours are proven to be the most effective.

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