Summer learning loss, also called the summer fade or summer slide, is defined as the impact of a long summer break on students’ retention of learning and skills. And, while definitive measurements of summer learning loss pre-COVID might not be evident, educators are gravely concerned about learning lags caused by a long summer holiday or breaks in learning with concerns lingering about the continued learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected students living in poverty.
“Yet, we still want to make sure our students get a break over the summer, said McLeod. Further, summer is a great time to detach from electronic devices and to increase activity.”
“There are a number of active learning experiences that can both give students a break from sedentary learning, while keeping their literacy, numeracy and physical skill levels developing, said McLeod. “These include outdoor activities such as gardening, building, outdoor games and athletic skill development; and indoor activities such as cooking, crafts and games.
“Also, to ensure growth and development, parents are encouraged to chart and celebrate milestones of their child’s growth in skill development.”