SUMMER SLIDE Prevention for Rising Second Graders

“Summer slide” is the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. While we advpcate a robust respect for time and balance, educational reseaarch indicates that the equivalent of at least two to three months of learning loss can take place during the summer months . To protect your child's academic growth, we encourage you to take advantage of learning opportunities that occur in everyday experriences. 

We recommend that you create a summer routine ( a set time each day for reading/LA, writing, math, handwriting, etc.), so that summer learning is well paced and meaningful. You are your child's greatest link to learning over the summer.  

SUGGESTIONS: Things to Do Throughout the Summer

1. Read leveled books with your child every day. Every so often, challenge him/her to find a book that is a bit more challenging. 

    Watch this video on HOW TO PICK a GOOD-FIT BOOK:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Gj0-h5JV0

    While reading a story with your child, ask him/her "who," "what, "why,"  "when," and "where" questions. Have your child retell the story. Use note cards to label objects in your house and frequently ask you child to name these objects.  Drawing pictures and writing about fun summer experiences will continue your child's important connection bettween spoken and written words.

                         *Great news EPIC books is available throughout the summer.

 2. Phonics - Have your child complete their Phonics Book. 

3. Journal Writing - Use a copybook. Have your child draw what they did on a given day, for the weekend, or for the week. Have them write a few sentences. Each sentence should have at least 6                                        words. *Don't stress too much about the misspellings, it may discourage them from putting their thoughts on the paper. Perhaps write the correct spelling on top of the misspelled                                    word.

5. Handwriting - Practice printing letters in the handwriting book. Use my handwriting videos (found on new Handwriting page)  to learn the correct posture, grip, and steps to form letters and words. 

4. Math

•  Practice addition and subtraction math facts using flash cards or online games such as Reflex Math, Moby Max, or any other sites recommended on my Math Websites page.

• Use Addition and Subtraction math-minute worksheets (below)  to practice on paper. Start by timing the amount of time your child completes a given worksheet. Note the time with your child and let them try to reduce the minutes/seconds each time the same sheet is given. 

•  Continue learning about measurement and fractions - using your math book, math workbook page, and as many hands-on items you can. Example: use gallon jugs, measuring cups, liter bottles of soda, pizza for fractions, playdough, etc.