Owner of Academic Advantage Warns of Summer Slide Impact on Students

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — As summer break reaches its peak, Adam Parker, owner of Academic Advantage in Northwest Arkansas, underscores the critical issue of “summer slide” affecting students during this time. Summer slide refers to the loss of academic skills that students experience when they are out of school, particularly in subjects like reading and math.

Parker emphasizes that maintaining learning habits over the summer is crucial to prevent students from falling behind when they return to school.

“Summer slide is a real concern for most students,” Parker said. “It’s when they lose the skills, they’ve worked hard to develop throughout the school year.”

To combat this decline, Parker recommends daily reading as a foundational practice.

“One effective habit to adopt is having your child read for twenty minutes every day,” he suggested. Additionally, he encourages engaging activities that stimulate the mind, even if they aren’t strictly academic.

“Games that challenge the brain, whether they’re math-related or not, can help keep cognitive skills sharp,” Parker added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, Parker stresses the importance of readiness.

“Students need to be prepared as we approach the new academic term,” he remarked. “Equipping them with the tools to retain what they’ve learned and to embrace new material is crucial.”

For parents and guardians concerned about time constraints, Parker suggests exploring local programs and learning centers that offer support in combating summer slide.

Click here for a link to downloadable activities.

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