Preventing “brain drain” or “summer slide” during summer vacation

Mass. (WWLP) – As students officially wrap up the school year and prepare for a three-month summer break, some caregivers are concerned about “brain drain”.

Summer “brain drain” or “summer slide” has been studied for decades and asserts that children’s learning falls backward during the months they are not in school. When children aren’t actively learning, they run the risk of losing a portion of what they learned during the school year.

So how can parents overcome learning loss? Parents can start reading with their children.
Even 15 minutes of reading together exposes them to new vocabulary words and enhances reading comprehension.

Next, parents should make learning fun. Children can learn a lot from everyday life without having to be in the classroom. Continuing to learn during the summer doesn’t mean burying yourself in books and worksheets. Trips and other interactive activities are a great way to promote learning.

Whether it’s getting involved in the kitchen by trying fun new recipes or even volunteering or participating in local summer programs. An extended break from learning can impact students’ performance and retention for the next school year, so creating the right balance of routine and consistency will set your kids up for success.

Local News

Traffic backup on I-91 South in Springfield due to accident

Vehicle vs. tractor collision on Route 10 in Northfield

Fall Foliage Festival 2024 theme revealed

Springfield to announce ‘Movies in the Park’ schedule for the summer

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Melissa Torres is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2021. Follow Melissa on X @melissatorrestv and view her bio to see more of her work.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.