Library Connection: Continue your child's education through the summer

Summer break for local schools is finally here. Children and families look forward to weeks of adventure and relaxation. No homework to do, no textbook insight, no pop quizzes interrupting a Monday morning. However, did you know there is a correlation between summer vacation for students and a regression in academic proficiency? Most important, as a parent, how do I keep my children engaged in their learning? I am here with some summer fun suggestions on how you can foster your child's academic skills all while making the most out of summer break.

Let us dive into the concept of the summer slide. Research shows the decline in achievement levels based on retaining knowledge in areas such as reading and math when returning to school in the fall after the summer break. Avoid the summer slide and build on your children's knowledge even when outside the classroom. Continuing your child's learning through the summer months can involve family engagement, opportunities for creativity, and new experiences.