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| Date: From: Subject: | 6/11/2009 10:05:36 AM Home School Legal Defense Association HSLDA's Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner Newsletter |
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---------------------------------------------------------------- HSLDA's Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner Newsletter June 2009: Summer Learning Fun ---------------------------------------------------------------- By Faith Berens Special Needs Coordinator Whatever happened to the good old days of summer vacation? When I remember the "hazy and lazy days" of summer, I think of hide-and-seek until dark, bike riding, climbing trees, reading books, swimming, roller skating, going fishing, camping trips, and making mudpies! My summers also often consisted of helping my mom and grandparents in the garden by picking vegetables and strawberries, as well as watching and lending a hand in the process of canning. I did not know it, but I was learning! Reflecting back on my fondest childhood summer memories, these are the experiences I want for my daughter. But today, as parents we are faced with scary terms such as summer reading and learning loss. Indeed many children, especially struggling readers, forget some of what they've learned or simply slip out of practice over the summer. Ron Fairchild, executive director of the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland states, "One hundred years of research confirms that all young people are at risk of losing ground academically over the summer months." This Center also reports that, on average, children lose 2.6 months of math skills. Research also shows that reading just six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the six books, make sure that they are just right--not too hard and not too easy! Particularly for struggling or delayed learners, summer can be a perfect opportunity to address specific academic weaknesses and/or gaps in learning. Summer enrichment or tutoring programs may be an important part of your child's summer learning experience. Parents may also choose to use at-home materials such as the Summer Bridge Activities workbook series, created by Michele Van Leeuwen, a mother of three. These workbooks provide daily activities in reading, writing, arithmetic and language arts, and they offer parents suggestions for how to motivate their children to engage in the academic exercises. Van Leeuwen recommends that parents use the summer to gauge their children's strengths and weaknesses. So how can we keep our children learning all summer long, yet balance it with relaxation and the gift of allowing our children to just be kids? I think with a little creativity and planning, parents can help their children combat the summer learning loss and still enjoy an awesome, fun summer! Here are some new (and some classic) ideas: > To keep your kids' math skills fresh, have them play online games, math skills games, and play board games as a family. Also, be sure to include them in meal planning, shopping, and cooking, or they can help price items, make change, and count money at your summer yard sale! Don't forget the classic kids' lemonade stand! I particularly like these game websites: > Kid Zone: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6630 > Game Aquarium: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6631 > FunBrain.com: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6632 > Learn to love your local library and check into the Summer Reading Program that most offer! Obtain summer reading lists from either the librarian or check out http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6633 for their recommended books for summer reading. As always, be sure to preview books for content. > Books on tape/audio obtained from the library are great to listen to in the car, at home, outside sitting under a tree, etc.! > Local summer camps, vacation Bible schools, as well as your local performing arts center offer classes, workshops, and day camps provide great activities. > Have your child keep a summer journal and/or scrapbook, or write letters, postcards, or email friends and relatives to keep writing going over the summer. > Create engaging learning activities by tapping into local resources for short trips and field trips. I love the state parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, farms, botanical gardens, etc. Check out SwimmingHoles.org at http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6634 to find local, natural places to swim and explore nature! > Go on a virtual or actual city scavenger hunt in your town or a city close by! > Grab a blanket and telescope and go stargazing! Particularly, in August, you can see the Perseid meteor showers, with predawn hours being the best time to watch. Pack a picnic breakfast--this is one family learning experience your child will never forget! So with some creative thinking and planning, as well as goal setting with your child, you can ensure he has a fun, learning-filled summer (and you won't be too stressed out!) The following web-based resources are packed full of fun activity suggestions and information for parents. On-Line Learning Resources: > Kaboose: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6635 > Reading Rockets: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6636 > Family Education: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6637 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> Remember the last time you wrote a term paper? Research can be grueling-digging through archives, wading through articles, conducting interviews. But if it's related to homeschooling, you can relax a little. There's a good chance that you'll find what you're looking for in HSLDA's bimonthly Home School Court Report. Providing in-depth, insightful articles on much of what affects the world of homeschoolers, the Court Report is a must-read for the serious homeschooler. This publication is provided free to each HSLDA member. More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1933 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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