Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning over the summer? The key to avoiding this ‘summer slide’ isn’t cramming—it’s building smart, simple habits early on.

Here are some summer learning tips to turn July into your family’s secret weapon for a successful back-to-school.

Why Starting Early Matters

Waiting until the end of August to prepare for school can leave students feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. By contrast, easing into a learning mindset during July helps students:

• Build confidence and motivation
• Reinforce academic skills
• Reduce back-to-school anxiety
• Adjust to structured routines

Summer learning tip: Creating consistency during the summer sets a solid foundation for back-to-school.

Avoid the summer slide! Check out our Summer Learning Guide for everything you need to support summer success.

1. Reset Daily Routines

Sleep schedules, screen time, and meal habits often shift during the summer. Use July to gradually reintroduce school-year routines:

• Set earlier bedtimes and wake-up times
• Create a consistent morning routine
• Limit screen time during the day
• Encourage healthy meals and snacks

Kids thrive on routine, and these small changes help their brains and bodies adjust ahead of time.

2. Build Learning into the Day

Learning doesn’t have to mean long study sessions. In July, aim for short, focused activities that keep academic skills sharp:

• Read together daily
• Practice basic math during errands
• Encourage journal writing or creative storytelling
• Use educational apps or games

Summer learning tip: Just 20 minutes a day can help keep learning fresh and fun.

3. Support Executive Function Skills

Organization, time management, and problem-solving are crucial school skills. Summer is a great time to develop them through:

• Chore charts or daily checklists
• Planning fun outings or activities together
• Playing board games that involve strategy or logic

These activities help build independence and responsibility.

4. Refresh Academic Basics

A little academic review goes a long way. Focus on core subjects like math, reading, and writing:

• Review last year’s report card for areas that need improvement
• Practice age-appropriate workbooks or worksheets
• Try hands-on projects related to science or history

Summer learning tip: This low-pressure review helps students feel ready for new material in the fall.

5. Get a Head Start with Summer Tutoring

Tutoring in July helps students:

• Reinforce skills they struggled with
• Preview new concepts for the year ahead
• Build study habits and self-discipline

Oxford Learning’s customized programs help students of all ages make the most of summer and start school with confidence.

Make This Summer Count

A few intentional changes in July can transform how students feel about going back to school. By easing into routines, refreshing academics, and building confidence now, families can set the stage for a smooth and successful school year.

Want to learn how Oxford Learning can help your child get ahead before school starts? Contact your local centre today!

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The post Summer Habits That Set the Stage for Back-to-School Success appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Without the stress of daily homework or tests, kids have the space to grow. The best part? That growth doesn’t have to be academic to make a big impact when school returns.

Why Confidence Is the Real Secret to School Success

Confidence affects everything from participation to perseverance. When building confidence in kids, they’ll start to believe in themselves, and they are more likely to:

• Raise their hand, even if unsure
• Take on new challenges
• Ask questions and seek help
• Bounce back after setbacks

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about feeling capable and prepared to try.

Summer learning starts here! Get insights on how to keep skills sharp all summer long.

3 Ways to Build Confidence in Kids This Summer

1. Celebrate Small Wins, Daily

Confidence builds through achievement, no matter how small. Try setting simple, meaningful goals for your kids, such as:

• Read for 15 minutes without distractions
• Cook a new recipe together
• Learn a new card game or creative skill

Every small success reinforces, “I can do this,” and builds confidence in kids.

2. Promote Independent Thinking

Summer is a great time to help kids take the lead in everyday decisions:

• Let them plan part of the weekly schedule
• Ask for their input on family outings or meals
• Encourage them to solve problems with your guidance

These moments give children a sense of ownership over their day and their learning.

3. Create a Confidence-Friendly Environment

Confidence grows where curiosity is encouraged. Try to:

• Keep books, puzzles, or games easily accessible
• Show interest in their thoughts and ideas
• Normalize mistakes as part of learning

Even casual conversations, such as “What would you do in that situation?” boost self-trust and emotional resilience.

When Extra Support Makes a Big Difference

Some kids need a little extra help to feel confident heading into a new school year, and that’s okay!

Summer tutoring at Oxford Learning is about more than just academics:

• It’s a safe, supportive space to ask questions
• It’s a chance to revisit tough concepts without judgment
• It’s a way to learn new strategies that build real confidence

Our programs are customized to each student’s needs, helping them walk into class ready to participate, engage, and believe in themselves.

Confidence Starts Now

There’s still plenty of time to make summer count. Whether through simple routines, open conversations, or a little extra support, helping your child feel more confident now can transform how they experience school this fall.

Want to give your child a boost before school starts?

Contact your local Oxford Learning centre and ask about our summer programs for a confidence boost.

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The post How to Turn Summer Break Into a Confidence Boost for the School Year Ahead appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

In traditional settings, learning tends to follow a cycle: ramp up in August/September, slow down in May/June, and pause during school breaks. But this stop-start approach can lead to a loss of momentum, especially during longer breaks like summer or winter holidays. We call this the summer slide. How can we prevent the summer slide? 

Well, that’s where Oxford Learning comes into play.

We approach learning as a continuous journey for year-round learning, not a seasonal event. Whether students are on summer vacation, winter break, or somewhere in between, our programs are designed to keep their minds engaged and growing. 

The result? Stronger academic performance, better confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Summer? Still Learning.

Summer learning loss, also known as the “summer slide,” is real. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of academic progress over the summer. That means each fall starts with playing catch-up instead of building on what was learned the year before.

We turn summer into a time of growth. With customized programs, flexible schedules, and fun, interactive lessons, students strengthen their skills, explore new subjects, and build momentum for the school year ahead.

Instead of falling behind, our students move forward.

School Break? Still Building Brainpower.

School breaks, such as winter or spring break, are a chance to rest, but they’re also a chance to reinforce learning in impactful ways. 

Our year-round learning tutoring programs help students:

• Review challenging concepts in a stress-free setting
• Stay in a routine that supports focus and discipline
• Boost skills like reading, writing, and math without the classroom pressure
• Return to school feeling confident, not overwhelmed

Whether it’s a long weekend, a winter holiday, or spring break, our programs meet students where they’re at and help them get where they want to go.

Oxford Learning? Still Changing the Game.

What makes Oxford Learning different isn’t just what we teach, it’s how we teach and why we teach. We go beyond memorization. Our focus is on developing the cognitive learning skills that drive real, lasting success:

• Critical thinking
• Organization and time management
• Problem-solving
• Motivation and confidence
• Independent learning habits
  

When students see learning as something they own, not something that’s assigned to them, their mindset shifts, they become more curious, engaged, and resilient, and that mindset lasts far beyond the classroom.

Real Results. Real Growth. Year-Round Learning for the Win!

Parents often tell us how surprised they are to see their child voluntarily reading during the summer, or excited to attend a learning session over the break. That’s not magic, it’s motivation. It’s what happens when learning becomes part of who you are, not just something you do during school hours.

And it works.

Our students consistently show improvements in academic performance, self-confidence, and overall engagement in school. They don’t just get better grades. They become better learners.

Make Learning a Lifestyle All Year Round

We believe every moment is a learning opportunity, whether school is in session or not. When students embrace this mindset, they stop seeing learning as a chore and start seeing it as a tool for growth, creativity, and confidence.

Ready for Year-Round Learning?

Contact your local Oxford Learning centre to learn more about our year-round programs and how we can help your child become an unstoppable learner.

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The post Why Learning Shouldn’t Stop, Even When School Does appeared first on Oxford Learning.

However, while looking forward to summer break, many parents and students don’t realize that between 62% and 78% of students can lose academic ground over the summer. That’s not just a stat—it’s real loss of learning that occurs every fall when students return to school, forgetting their times tables or struggling to get back into reading routines.

This is what’s known as the summer slide. And the good news? It’s preventable.

What Exactly Is Summer Learning Loss?

Summer learning loss happens when kids take a full academic break for two (or more) months. Without practice or reinforcement, skills in core areas such as math, reading, and writing start to fade. Think of it like a muscle: it weakens if you don’t use it.

This doesn’t mean kids need a full school schedule during summer. But a little bit of learning—just a few hours a week—can go a long way toward keeping those skills fresh.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

The words “summer” and “learning” don’t usually go together in a kid’s mind, but they should! The trick is to make summer learning fun, interactive, and low-pressure.

Think math games, creative writing challenges, reading books that kids actually want to read, and hands-on science experiments that feel more like play than school. The goal isn’t to overwhelm students—it’s to help them stay engaged and confident.

The best summer learning programs do exactly that: they combine fun with purpose, helping kids maintain momentum without burning out.

Keep the Routine (Just a Little Bit)

One of the hardest parts of the back-to-school season is getting back into the routine. A completely unstructured summer can make September feel like hitting a wall. Kids are tired, out of practice, and often frustrated when school starts.

Adding just a touch of structure to summer routines—say, scheduled reading time or weekly math practice—helps students stay in the zone, so returning to school is exciting, not stressful.

Avoid the summer slide! Check out our Summer Learning Guide for everything you need to support summer success.

Summer Is a Great Time to Get Ahead

Summer isn’t just about catching up—it’s also the perfect time to get ahead.

When students review material from the past year and preview content for the next grade, they walk into the classroom in the fall feeling confident and prepared. That head start can make a huge difference, especially for students who struggled with certain subjects during the school year.

A Little Effort Now, Big Payoff Later

We all want our kids to have a relaxing summer. But that doesn’t mean letting go of learning completely. A balanced summer, with plenty of fun and a little academic time, can help students retain what they’ve learned and start next year strong.

So, instead of spending the first few weeks of school reviewing old material, your child could be moving forward, raising their hand confidently, and building a strong foundation.

Stop Summer Learning Loss

Summer learning doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun. It’s about keeping the brain active, staying curious, and continuing to grow—even if it’s just a little bit each week.

Next year’s school success begins in the summer. With the right support, your child can beat summer learning loss and head into the new school year feeling motivated, prepared, and ready to shine.

Want to learn more about how to keep learning going this summer, without the stress?

Discover how our summer programs are designed to keep kids engaged, confident, and having fun.

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The post Summer Learning Loss Is Real—But It Doesn’t Have to Be appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Summer learning can take many forms, including structured programs, independent study, educational camps, and online courses. These opportunities provide students with academic reinforcement and enrichment, ensuring they return to school prepared for the new academic year.

Click the links below to jump to a specific section, or read through the entire guide for a complete overview of summer learning.

1. Why is summer learning important? 
2. Common causes of summer learning loss. 
3. How to prevent the summer slide.
4. Types of summer learning programs. 
5. How to make summer learning fun and engaging. 
6. Long-term benefits of learning during the summer.
7. What is the right summer program? 

Why Is Learning In the Summer Important?

The summer months are an important time for students to help and reinforce the academic skills they gained during the school year. Without consistent academic engagement, many students experience a decline in their skills, making the transition back to school more difficult. Learning during the summer helps bridge this gap by keeping students’ minds active and engaged.

Benefits of learning during the summer months include:

• Prevention of learning loss helps students retain information and stay sharp for the upcoming school year.
• Stronger academic performance prepares students for new concepts and reduces the need for review in the fall.
• Increased confidence, keeping students engaged and confident in their abilities, reducing back-to-school anxiety.
• Flexible learning allows students to explore subjects they enjoy at their own pace.
• Preparation for future success equips students with the skills they need for high school, college, and beyond.

Common Causes of Summer Learning Loss

Summer learning loss is also known as the summer slide. Many factors contribute to the summer slide, but the main reason is a lack of academic engagement during the summer break. When students are not actively practising skills such as reading, writing, or math, they tend to forget information and struggle to regain it when school starts again.

Some of the common causes of the summer slide include:

• Lack of academic practice and lack of regular learning activities can cause students to lose up to 2.6 months of math and reading skills.
• Students spend up to 6 weeks or more re-learning old material in the fall semester to make up for summer learning loss.
• Students without educational resources such as books, learning programs, or enrichment activities may fall behind their peers.
• A structured school schedule provides consistent learning opportunities, which are often lost during summer.
• Without challenges and problem-solving exercises, cognitive skills can weaken over time.

How to Prevent the Summer Slide

Preventing the summer slide doesn’t require a painstaking school schedule, but it does involve keeping children engaged in meaningful, educational activities. With a mix of structured learning and fun experiences, students can continue to grow academically throughout the summer.

Here are some ways to prevent the summer slide:

• Read Regularly. Encourage daily reading to maintain literacy skills and comprehension abilities.
• Practise Math Skills. Use workbooks, online games, or real-world applications like budgeting or measuring ingredients.
• Enrol in a Summer Program. Summer tutoring, educational camps, and online courses help keep students engaged.
• Encourage Writing Activities. Journaling, creative writing, or sending letters to friends and family can reinforce writing skills.
• Incorporate Educational Games. Board games, puzzles, and learning apps make learning fun and interactive.
• Explore Hands-On Learning. Activities like cooking, gardening, or science experiments provide practical learning experiences.
• Maintain a Learning Routine. Setting aside a little time each day for academic activities helps build consistency.

Learn more about how to prevent the summer slide.

Types of Summer Programs

Summer learning comes in many different formats, each catering to specific needs, interests, and academic goals. Choosing the right program depends on a student’s learning style and areas of interest.

Here are some of the most common types of summer learning programs:

• Summer tutoring programs offer one-on-one or small-group support to reinforce academic skills.
• Camps with educational components incorporate STEM, arts, or language learning into fun activities.
• Library and Reading Programs feature summer reading challenges and literacy activities at local libraries.
• University Prep courses help high school students prepare for college applications, SATs, or ACTs.
• STEM and Coding Camps offer hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, and other technical skills.
• Project-based learning programs engage students in creative projects that develop real-world problem-solving skills.

Making Summer Learning Fun and Engaging

Learning over the summer doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Students can stay engaged by incorporating fun, interactive, and hands-on activities while still enjoying their break.

One way to make learning during the summertime enjoyable is to turn it into an adventure. Visiting museums, historical sites, and science centers can provide immersive learning experiences that bring subjects to life. Another approach is to gamify education by using apps, quizzes, and games that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. These interactive tools make learning more dynamic and enjoyable.

Encouraging creative projects is another great way to keep students engaged. Activities like art, music, and DIY projects allow them to explore new skills while having fun. Taking learning outdoors can also enhance the experience. Nature walks, gardening, and outdoor science experiments provide hands-on opportunities to explore and discover.

Finally, setting learning goals with rewards can help motivate students to stay on track. Reaching goals creates a sense of achievement and encourages consistency, making learning both productive and enjoyable.

Learn more about Oxford Learning’s summer programs.

Summer Learning—The Long-Term Benefits

Engaging in summer learning doesn’t just prevent the learning slide—it provides long-term benefits that help students develop essential academic and life skills. By incorporating structured educational activities into summer break, students return to school with improved confidence, stronger skills, and a readiness to succeed.

Long-term benefits include:

• Better Academic Performance. Students who engage in summer learning perform better in the new school year.
• Increased Retention of Knowledge. Less time is spent reviewing old material, allowing for a stronger start to the school year.
• Improved Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills. Learning during the summer promotes independent thinking and creativity.
• Development of Lifelong Learning Habits. Summer learning encourages curiosity, self-motivation, and continuous personal growth.

By prioritizing learning this summer, parents and students can turn the break into a time of enrichment, exploration, and skill-building, setting the foundation for future success.

Finding the Right Summer Program

With so many options available, selecting the right summer program for a child can feel overwhelming. Before making a decision, it’s essential to consider individual learning needs, interests, and goals.

Start by thinking about your child’s interests. Choosing a program that aligns with subjects or activities they enjoy will keep them engaged and motivated. Academic needs are another key factor—identifying areas where reinforcement is needed, such as math, reading, or science, can help narrow down the best options.

Flexibility is important when planning. A program that fits your family’s schedule ensures a stress-free experience. Finally, researching programs, reading reviews, and asking for recommendations from teachers or other parents can help you make an informed choice.

At Oxford Learning, we offer personalized programs throughout the year designed to keep students learning, engaged, and ready for the next school year.

Find an Oxford Learning location near you and discover how we can make summer both effective and enjoyable!

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The post The Ultimate Guide to Summer Learning appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Why not try some of these old-fashioned car games? Combine old-school memory work with a fun challenge to keep kids engaged and learning. Not only are these games fun, but they also help develop memory and listening skills!

Fun and Educational Road Trip Games

The I-Packed-a-Suitcase Game

In the repeat-after-me tradition of games, the always-popular suitcase game stands out. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a great way to develop your child’s memory.

Here are the simple rules:

The first person begins with the sentence: “I packed a suitcase, and in it, I put…” followed by an item of that person’s choice, such as “a toothbrush.”

The second person also starts with the same statement: “I packed a suitcase, and in it, I put…” Then, they repeat what the first person said and add their own item: “a toothbrush and a bathing suit,” and so on, until someone forgets to list one of the items!

You can adjust the level of difficulty and absurdity according to your mood, such as packing a battering ram or an elephant…you never know when you’ll need one!

Learn more about the rules here.

Backwards Listening Game

This is a great game to encourage listening abilities. You say a series of random words and have your child repeat them to you in the opposite order! For example:

• You: shirt, cow
• Child: cow, shirt

Start with two words and increase the number as proficiency improves. Or, if you’re feeling up to it, create a backward sentence so that when your child says it back to you, they are decoding your message! Hilarity is sure to ensue!

• You: cheese, like, smell, socks, Dad’s
• Child: Dad’s socks smell like cheese!

The Alphabet List Game

An all-time favourite is the Alphabet List Game. It’s a very simple game that can encourage creative thinking.

Using the alphabet as a guide, select a theme, and create an alphabetized list according to that theme. Some good themes are animals, cities, fruits and vegetables, sports teams, pizza toppings, and underwater. The possibilities are endless!

Now select someone to start. They begin with the letter A and, based on the category chosen, give an example of something that begins with the letter A. For animals, it would be alligators; for cities, it would be Amsterdam. Then the next person gets the letter B, the following person the letter C…and so on, until somebody can’t think of an example for that letter. Some letters are more challenging than others, so everybody is allowed one pass.

The Classic Game of ‘I-Spy’

The old “I Spy With My Little Eye” game is always popular with younger children. Simply select anything in the car or room and say, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [that colour].” Then, the kids take turns guessing what the item is. Adjust the difficulty to meet the child’s age.

Tip: When kids are stumped, give them a phonetic clue. For instance, “It starts with the sound ‘mmmm’.”

Twenty Questions

Think of something simple…it can be anything at all, though regular play usually limits the choice to something that falls into animal, vegetable, or mineral categories.

When you’ve chosen your item, the game begins. Let the players know that you’ve selected something with the simple statement, “I’ve got it!” Then, the kids ask 20 questions to determine what the item is. The trick is that all answers must be a yes or a no; this way, the kids must phrase the questions in a specific way in order to get a yes or no answer.

This game is great for children’s practice of formulating questions in a structured way, and it’s even better for them to take all the replies and deduce the answer. What a fun way to develop critical thinking skills!

Next time you’re on a long road trip, try out these games to keep your kids entertained and engaged. Happy travels!

Find out more about how board games can promote learning.

Summer Learning Programs at Oxford Learning

While playing games that keep kids occupied and learning on road trips over the summer is great, the best way to keep children learning in the summer with with a summer program at Oxford Learning.

Our personalized programs ensure your child focuses on the areas needing the most support to help them get ready to excel once the new school year begins.

Summer programs are now enrolling. Find a location near you and schedule an assessment to get started.

The post Fun Road Trip Games for the Entire Family appeared first on Oxford Learning.

What is the Summer Slide?

The summer slide refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the summer months. 

According to the Kids & Family Reading Report by Scholastic, nearly half of parents are unaware of this phenomenon, yet it has a significant impact on student success. 

Researchers from the Kids & Family Reading Report estimate that by middle school, summer reading loss can accumulate to a two-year lag in reading achievement.

The Power of Summer Reading for Kids

Summer reading is not just a nice-to-have activity for kids; it’s essential for bridging the gap between school years. When kids engage in regular reading over the summer, they retain and build upon what they’ve learned during the school year, ensuring they start the next grade level on a strong footing.

According to the report, 77% of kids agree that reading during the summer helps them perform better in school. However, there is a troubling trend: an increasing number of children, especially older ones, report reading zero books over the summer. For instance, 32% of kids aged 15-17 read no books at all during their break. This trend is concerning as it signifies a missed opportunity for academic growth and development.

Find 10 more benefits of summer learning here.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the benefits, the report indicates an increase in the number of children who do not read any books over the summer. Access to books is a significant issue, especially for underserved communities. 

The report found that 53% of children get most of their books from school, so when schools are closed, access to books decreases dramatically. 

Public libraries and community programs can play a crucial role in bridging this gap. Many libraries offer summer reading programs and events that encourage children to read. Additionally, community initiatives can help provide books to children who might not otherwise have access to them. For example, districts that provide books and literacy nights see a significant reduction in summer reading loss among students.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can take several steps to encourage summer reading:

• Visit the library: Regular library trips can provide children access to a wide range of books and reading materials.
• Set a routine: Incorporating reading into the daily routine can help make it a habit.
• Limit screen time: Reducing time spent on electronic devices can make more time for reading.
• Join reading programs: Many libraries and community centers offer summer reading programs that make reading fun and engaging.

Need More Reading Help This Summer? 

Summer reading is a vital activity that helps children maintain and improve their literacy skills, preventing the summer slide. 

Oxford Learning understands the importance of summer reading and can help parents take steps to encourage it. If you feel your child needs reading help, reach out to a location near you.

Find a Location

The post Why Summer Reading is Crucial for Kids appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Typically when students return to school in the fall after two months of break, they are far from ready to dive back into learning. Students are often unmotivated and struggling to re-adapt to the structure and routine of the new school year. Attention spans are often lower than usual. Engaging students after summer break can be challenging for teachers.

To get students back into learning mode, teachers spend up to a month or more reviewing last year’s materials and catching students back up rather than being ready to learn new concepts. Considering that the average school year includes only 195 days of instruction, spending even 1/4 of that time reviewing last year’s material is less than ideal.

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss?

1. Keep Kids Academically Engaged Over the Summer

To avoid the fall gap, help your kids stay sharp over the summer holiday. Kids who are focused and ready in September will learn, integrate, and understand new material immediately. This will allow them to make the most of each school day instead of only half of them.

2. Encourage Regular Reading

Make sure your children read during the summer. Even if they have a busy social life and a part-time or full-time job, ensure they take time each day to read. Here are some summer reading resources that can help.

3. Establish Daily Learning Time

Set up brief study periods at least every other day. These can be times when your child reviews the most challenging subjects, reads ahead into next year’s material, and organizes for the coming school year. Check out study resources here.

4. Enrol in Summer Programs

The best way to help students stay sharp is with a summer program that balances activities with academics to keep thinking, reading, writing, math, and study skills sharp and ready for September. Learn more about summer programs here.

5. Balance Fun and Learning

Holidays are essential for relaxation but shouldn’t lead to mental passivity. Make sure that your student has fun and stays active. Activities like family walks, biking, swimming, and fishing help balance relaxation and mental activity.

6. Plan Engaging Activities

Beat boredom by staying engaged with fun, active pursuits. Check out these 13 fun summer learning activities for kids of every grade level.

Age-Specific Strategies to Prevent the Summer Learning Gap

Grades 1 to 3

Read, write, and play games that require concentration and memory. Maintain a family journal for the holiday, writing in it every day. Discuss stories, books, and TV shows to encourage active thinking.

Grades 4 to 6

Focus on planning skills. Use a daily planner to organize family activities and responsibilities. Encourage writing with a family journal and reading with interest-specific magazines.

Grades 7 to 8

Make time daily or weekly to maintain learning skills in key subjects such as reading, writing, and math. Get worksheets or workbooks online, download apps, or use school texts. Practise areas that need the most attention.

Grades 9 to 12

Take a summer class or summer tutoring program that focuses on academic weak areas. Without a full course load, students can make major gains in the summer without the regular stresses of the school year.

Bridge the Summer Learning Gap with Oxford Learning

This summer’s challenge is to keep students mentally active and focused throughout the year. Integrating a tutoring program at Oxford Learning can help your children stay sharp and maximize their educational opportunities. Learn more about our summer tutoring program here. 

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The post How to Stop Summer Learning Loss appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Math isn’t just for the classroom! Mathematics is an important part of everyday life, used in areas such as cooking, planning, shopping, driving, etc. Without it, how would teens learn how much they need to save for school or how much they need to upgrade their phone?

Math Can Be Challenging

Math is often thought of as the most challenging school subject. For many students, understanding math does not happen intuitively or automatically, it requires plenty of effort and practice to understand math concepts. Math requires patience and persistence—skills that many students are not great at.

Strengthen Math Skills This Summer

There are plenty of ways for children to keep their math skills active and avoid the summer brain drain. Studies have found that:

• Students can learn new facts from daily math sessions of just 5 minutes per day to maintain math skills.
• Setting aside time to complete 3-4 math problems at any level per day during the summer can stop math skills loss.
• Playing math-based board games regularly can result in a significant improvement in children’s math skills.
• Downloading math apps and using them regularly can increase student engagement and reduce the math achievement gap. Check out some of these recommended math apps.

How Summer Programs Can Help

Whether your child has a great math performance or needs some help in the subject, working on math skills this summer programs can help. Math summer programs allow your child to explore complex mathematical concepts in a fun and interactive way. Summer math tutors help students succeed in two main ways:

1. Build Math Confidence. One of the biggest obstacles that students face when struggling in math is their confidence. When students work on building math confidence, they’re less afraid to make mistakes. They’re also more likely to challenge themselves to handle more difficult math problems. As a result, the student’s math skills and confidence increase.
2. Practice and Preparation. Math curriculum moves quickly. When students miss a math concept, they can easily fall behind. By working on key concepts and practising until mastery, students catch on to missed concepts, build math confidence, and even get ahead of the curve with an early introduction to next year’s math skills.

Get A Head Start This Summer!

It’s tough to tap into math motivation; that’s why fun and exciting summer programs that are customized to each child’s learning needs are necessary! Not just to catch up and get ahead in math concepts but to rediscover their joy for learning…this summer and all year long! Contact a location near you to enrol today!

The post Build Summer Math Skills for Better Grades Next Year appeared first on Oxford Learning.

It’s no surprise that children spend less time reading for pleasure today. Instant entertainment and stimulation take precedence over slower, contemplative reading.

According to Common Sense Media. . .

• HALF of all children under eight own a tablet device and spend an average of about 2.25 hours a day on digital screens
• 8- to 12-year-olds spend an average of almost five hours a day looking at screens on smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and TVs
• Teens aged 3 to 17 spend about 7 hours and 22 minutes per day on screen time.

While reading scores are on the rise, pleasure reading has been declining steadily. Leisure reading also declines more as students age. source

Why Reading for Pleasure Matters

• Positive Benefits on Mental Health. How often students read can relate to their mental health. For instance, a Scholastic Reading Frequency report shows teens who were infrequent readers were more likely to say they felt:

• nervous or anxious (50% of infrequent readers vs. 39% of frequent readers)
• sad or depressed (37% of infrequent readers vs. 25% of frequent readers)
• lonely (30% of infrequent readers vs. 19% of frequent readers).
  
• Reading Builds Social Skills and Empathy. Reading allows students to experience the world from other perspectives and gain insights into other cultures and experiences. Furthermore, reading can help students build greater emotional intelligence.
  
• Boost Academics. Reading for pleasure is linked to increased cognitive development, including clearer thinking, better problem-solving, and improved decision-making. It also builds vocabulary and strengthens writing skills.

Learn how to build stronger reading habits here. 

The Importance of Summer Reading

Summer vacation offers a valuable break from the structured routines of the school year. It’s a time when children can explore their interests, expand their horizons, and discover new worlds through reading. 

Engaging in summer reading helps combat learning loss during the break and fosters creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills. Plus, it allows kids to develop a lifelong love for reading that can benefit them in various aspects of life.

6 Ways to Make Summer Reading for Pleasure Fun

To reverse the decline in pleasure reading, it’s essential to make summer reading a fun and enticing activity for kids. 

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. Create a Reading for Pleasure Challenge

Set a goal for how many books your child should read over the summer, and create a reward system for achieving it. Make it a friendly competition or involve their friends to add an element of excitement.

2. Visit the Library

Take your child to the local library and let them explore the vast collection of books. Encourage them to choose books that align with their interests, whether it’s adventure, fantasy, science fiction, or any other genre.

3. Read for Pleasure Together 

Make reading a shared experience by establishing a family reading time. Set aside a specific time each day when everyone in the family reads their book silently. This not only encourages reading but also creates a cozy and bonding atmosphere.

4. Organize a Book Club

Gather a group of your child’s friends and start a summer book club. Assign a book for everyone to read and schedule regular meetups to discuss the story, characters, and themes. This will enhance their reading comprehension and encourage social interaction.

5. Introduce Digital Reading 

While digital devices can be a source of distraction, they can also provide access to a vast array of ebooks and audiobooks. Use technology to your advantage by allowing your child to choose from digital reading options.

6. Lead by Example 

Children often emulate the behaviours they see in adults. Demonstrate your love for reading by setting aside time for your reading sessions. Seeing you immersed in a book will inspire and motivate them to do the same.

One of the most important factors in building a reading-positive culture for kids is having a role model who reads for pleasure. For instance, 57% of children who read often have parents who encourage daily reading; however, only 16% of children who are infrequent readers have parents who encourage reading. Source.

Interested in more tips and tricks to engage your child with summer reading? Check out these summer reading tips.

Get Reading for Pleasure This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to reverse the decline in kids’ pleasure reading. By creating a nurturing environment, setting goals, and making reading an enjoyable experience, we can reignite their love for books. 

Encouraging children to read for pleasure benefits their academic growth, nurtures their imagination, and broadens their horizons. So let’s embrace the summer as an opportunity to bring back the joy of reading into our children’s lives.

Remember, there is always time to start a summer reading tradition!

Get Summer Reading Help At Any Age

Reading is the foundation of all learning. So, it makes sense that when kids struggle to read, reading is anything but pleasurable. Help your child build stronger reading skills with a reading program at Oxford Learning. Our reading programs help students of all ages build a strong foundation of reading skills to launch them into a world of reading for life.

Contact a location near you to learn more.

The post Reading for Pleasure is on the Decline —Summer Is the Time to Fix It appeared first on Oxford Learning.