The summer slide is a decline in a child’s academic skills that occurs over the summer vacation when school is not in session. Summer slide goes by a number of names, including the summer learning loss and the summer brain drain, but in essence, they all mean the same thing: over the summer vacation, children are likely to forget a lot of the information and knowledge they have picked up over the past academic year. Summer…
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Researchers have identified a phenomenon called summer slide, the loss of students’ academic skills when school is not in session, which is largely due to a lack of summer reading. A recent study of third to fifth graders showed that on average students lost about 20% of their school-year gains in reading. Reading especially benefits young children, and having adults in their lives who prioritize summer reading is crucial to developing frequent readers. Here are some…
Read More »Children look forward to the summer months when a break from school gives them a chance to enjoy the outdoors, travel, and relax with friends and family. However, it’s important to ensure children’s safety while they’re having fun in the sun. Specialists from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center offer seven recommendations for keeping kids safe this summer season. 1. Keep children away from burn hazards. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous…
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Summertime in Boston means it’s time to splash in spray parks! There’s plenty of free water fun to be had all around the city, and we’ve rounded up some favorite spots. Frog Pond, Boston Common—Beacon Hill From the opening day festivities in late June through Labor Day weekend, children ages 12 and under can cool off in the Frog Pond Spray Pool, open daily at 11 a.m. Rose Kennedy Greenway — Chinatown Parks, Wharf District…
Read More »Video games captivate students in a way few other mediums can. Their immersive worlds, engaging challenges, and instant feedback loops naturally draw learners in. But for many parents and educators, the idea of “game-based learning” – specifically learning through video games – can feel daunting. Is it just playing games? How do you ensure real learning happens? Game based learning is a strategic instructional choice, not just a fun distraction. While there are many games marketed…
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Summer at home with kids can be a challenge. Sure, you can send them to camps, but sometimes those are expensive, and you can’t rely on having a weekly camp for your child over the summer. Although it can be challenging, having summer fun at home is just as magical as a camp or a big vacation. With proper planning, creativity, and caffeine (for you…not your kid!), you can have a great fun summer at…
Read More »The summer slide is a decline in a child’s academic skills that occurs over the summer vacation when school is not in session. Summer slide goes by a number of names, including the summer learning loss and the summer brain drain, but in essence, they all mean the same thing: over the summer vacation, children are likely to forget a lot of the information and knowledge they have picked up over the past academic year. Summer…
Read More »in Reading, Summer Tips
Have you heard about Barnes & Noble’s summer reading challenge? Read any eight books and get one free! This summer, kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble summer reading challenge. Read any eight books and record them in your Summer Reading Journal. When you’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your book. This reward is redeemable through 8/31/24, so you still have time to…
Read More »in Events, Libraries, Reading, Summer Tips
Immerse yourself and develop stronger reading skills with Boston Public Library’s summer reading program for youth 0-17 years old. The program runs from June 17, 2024 to August 25, 2024. This year’s theme is Adventure Begins at your Library, developed by the Collaborative Summer Learning Program. Check out these incredible options available at the Boston Public Library for their summer reading program: Want personalized reading recommendations? Fill in the Shelf Service request form, and one…
Read More »Children look forward to the summer months when a break from school gives them a chance to enjoy the outdoors, travel, and relax with friends and family. However, it’s important to ensure children’s safety while they’re having fun in the sun. Specialists from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center offer seven recommendations for keeping kids safe this summer season. 1. Keep children away from burn hazards. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous…
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