Fight the Summer Slide
As a teacher, I frequently remind my students about the importance of taking breaks. Working for extended periods eventually yields diminishing returns. In an era where limited attention spans result in significant reductions in reading and work stamina, periodic breaks are essential for refreshing focus and motivation. But the key to harnessing the power of breaks is structure and moderation. Conversely, breaks that go too long can be more harmful than no break at all. And, when breaks run as long as the typical summer break, those harmful effects can result in detrimental learning loss that compounds as students get older.
Kids Don’t Read Anymore
Reading is generally considered an elementary school subject. However, strong reading skills are essential for success in every school subject, as well as for college and career readiness and adult independence. Like any other skill, reading requires regular practice to maintain proficiency. Yet, the majority of students view reading as a "school" activity. During the summer, kids are less inclined to read voluntarily. By 4th grade, less than 50% of students (410%0 girls and 38% boys) report reading independently or for fun. By middle school, those numbers drop to 20% and 14%, respectively. Due to the myriad of more stimulating distractions vying for their time and attention, school-aged children are electing to read less and less. The old idiom sums this problem up best: use it or lose it. Without consistent practice, exposure to more challenging material, or just the opportunity to read, the percentage of students reading below grade levels is increasing dramatically.
The Cost of Learning Loss
According to the most recent report (2024) by the NAEP, less than 1/3 of students are currently reading at grade level. Starting a new grade with a reading deficit means new material may be overwhelmingly challenging or, at worst, virtually incomprehensible. Coupled with the fact that, over the summer, students can lose between one to three months' worth of learning from the prior school year, even without reading deficits, all students are operating at a loss from grade to grade. Many are never given a chance to catch up fully. Without the expected reading level proficiency or knowledge base from the previous year, kids lack a stable foundation on which to build as they learn increasingly complex information. Based on the amount of learning loss experienced, teachers often spend a significant portion of the first quarter reteaching old material covered in the last grade. Time lost from reteaching can't be recouped, resulting in some material that never gets covered, further widening the skill and knowledge gaps.
Summer is a Second Chance
All kids, even gifted ones, are behind compared to past generations. Summer break exacerbates this problem. The question is: What can we do about it?
Summer offers an opportunity for students with learning gaps and skill deficits to get caught up. Continued education through the summer solves both of these problems simultaneously. It provides sustained reading practice to maintain or improve proficiency while deterring potential learning loss by reinforcing skills and knowledge beyond the superficial introduction of new information from the last school year.
Scholarly offers two ways to combat learning loss during the summer. TheStudy Skills Boot Camp builds core academic skills while empowering Students to establish routines and create systems that work best with their learning style and needs. For students operating below grade level in reading and writing, take advantage of the1-to-1service that provides individualized attention and a tailored approach to address deficits in comprehension and written expression.
