In a recent article by Families.com parenting blogger, Myra Turner, she discussed the dreaded summer brain drain that many teachers complain about when school is back into session.
Myra is exactly right. Research shows that students lose over two and one half months of information over the summer vacation. This research finding came about through testing students at the beginning of summer vacation and repeating a test over the same material at the end of summer vacation.
The information is not mysteriously drained from each child’s head as he or she sleeps at night. The simple fact is that without practice and nurturing, the information slowly weakens. As the saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it!”
I have always said that the middle two school nine weeks’ grades are what give you the real idea of how a child is doing academically. The majority of the first nine weeks is spent reviewing last year’s material. The two middle nine weeks present and cover new material and the last nine weeks is a review for testing and filled with end of the year activities.
On average, students lose more math knowledge than any other subject. I believe that this is due to a general negative (and scared) attitude toward math. Many families sit down and read books together. Reading at home with your child is very important. I would dare to say that a great number of parents read to their children or at least have books in their home.
But how many parents exercise math skills at home with their children? Not as many. My dad often exercised math word problems with me. The thing that I like about it the most is that I never realized it when I was a child. I am a very strong mathematical thinker now. I attribute some of that to him.
This summer take all of the trips to the library reading programs, check out books, and read to your children each and every day.
However, also try a math focus this summer by adding spice to your summer cooking. Have your children measure and double and divide recipes. Build a summer fort and have your children figure out how much material and space is required. Go shopping and have your children estimate the total grocery bill before it is added up by the cashier. Give your children money and let them decide how much they can buy (do not forget to have them figure tax also!) Purchase board games that can enhance math related skills.