guest blogger Marie Cassidy: Preventing the "Summer Slide"

Author: one tough job

Summer is here and along with sunscreen and beach safety, many moms and dads worry about their kids losing some of the skills they worked so hard for during the school year.

Here are some simple ways to keep your child learning throughout the summer

Make connections to what your child has learned during the school year. Use local sites such as parks, lakes, ponds, beaches, and pools to notice same and different; to sort things; to count; and to name and identify different objects.

Explore subjects in detail. Go to local museums using library passes and explore different worlds that are as interactive as possible. Learn about the planets, art, music, and more.

Exercise minds and bodies. Have your child use all of her muscles with balancing and stretching games, running, playing hide and seek, or just getting outside for a walk. Create stories that add different situations and feelings. You can start by suggesting a line of a story and taking turns with your child; the sillier the better.

Keep up a routine. Even with more flexible schedules in the summer, it is important to keep the concept of a schedule in place. Ask your child to help plan a day or an afternoon. Ask them: “What is the first thing you do? What comes next? What is the last thing in the afternoon? What is the first thing at night?”

Stay connected and meet new friends. Organize play dates with your child’s classmates. Meet new families at community events, playgroups, and Family Centers.

Marie Cassidy, MS Ed has been the Family Specialist for the Medford Family Network Family Center for the past 20 years. Marie is a ball of positive energy and when she is not hosting playgroups, making community connections, and dazzling everyone with her infectious smile, she enjoys dancing and spending time with her five grandchildren.

other articles and videos we love