Throughout my career I have been deeply concerned about how students use out of school time, especially the summer break. In March, I referenced the phenomenon known as “summer slide.” This is the loss of content knowledge, conceptual understanding and academic skills suffered by many students during the summer months. This may even be a contributing factor to the achievement gap.
The summer is particularly unforgiving on reluctant readers. The research shows that, to prevent from regressing, students (particularly those whose skills are not advanced) need to read at least six books. These ought to be books that are not too hard and not too easy. While we require students to read certain texts, parents should encourage their children to select additional books that match their interests. We will post suggested reading lists on our website beginning late next week. They should read something everyday – whether from a newspaper, online source, TV captions or a hard cover book. And there is still value, even when students are in high school, to spend time reading aloud – this could be a fun family experience two or three times per week.
Learning loss is greater in math than in reading. This is why we have elected to prepare summer math packets for each grade level to help students continue to practice their skills. Besides this, students will benefit from playing games that are full of logic and calculations. They can gain much from visiting museums, watching sports and tracking the statistics and using recipes to cook. Older students also gain much from teaching math to younger students.
The summer should be a time of enrichment and renewal. Both children and adults benefit from new experiences or exploring new places. Thanks to the Faculty Fund, several of our teachers and administrators will be able to pursue personal and/or professional growth opportunities outside of D.C. Ms. Khashiffa Roberts plans to visit schools in Finland where she will observe classes. Mr. Rickey Torrence will do scientific research while visiting Mt. Rushmore. Ms. Caroline Rose will explore Paris and Rome. Ms. Stephanie McDaniel will attend a conference in Prague. Several of our students have also won language immersion scholarships that will take them to places like China, Jordan, Rome and Greece.
One exciting option for the summer – whether for three weeks or six – is the Washington Latin Summer School. There are opportunities for advancement, review and enrichment, featuring everything from cooking to creative writing or from Algebra I to Underwater Robotics. And it is not too late to sign up.
While reading and practicing math is important, students need to engage their minds in other ways. Help them plan for a balanced experience. Encourage community service. Give them the chance to work with their hands, whether on crafts, in the kitchen, or in the garden. Make sure they have time outdoors. And, above all, adults and children alike need to have fun!
Valete!