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Julie Piazza-King, Director, Family Life Child Care Program, on Preventing the Summer Slide

During the month of March many of us start thinking about spring. It's also a great time to start thinking about planning for your child's summer. "Summer learning loss" or "summer slide" are concepts that are receiving more attention over the last couple of years.

Summer learning loss refers to knowledge that is lost over the summer months when learning does not continue. Summer learning loss is even more significant for children who are not exposed to reading and other meaningful activities over the summer break. Some experts believe that extending the school year or year round schooling is the answer to this problem. However, there are many experts who believe that learning doesn't always take place in a classroom, and that a summer camp experience can be equally or even more beneficial. The benefits of summer camp go beyond academics- it encourages cooperative learning, problem solving as well as other values including self esteem and team work. The summer camp setting is also considered more beneficial than classroom learning, because it is an opportunity for children to experience learning within the natural environment. This experiential learning motivates children to be creative and develop innovation. In our current world of video games and electronic technology, many people believe that innovation has been lost, and the primary reason why we lag behind other countries in terms of academics. Both this American Camp Association article and this National Summer Learning Association can help you understand summer learning loss and the importance of a different type of learning during the summer.

To learn more about the Family Life Child Care Centers Summer Camp, click here or contact our Enrollment Specialist at 440.260.6001.