| Summertime Academic Activities for the Kids by Nancy Downing |
| Q: What are some academic activities my elementary and middle school children can participate in over the summer? A: Research shows children regress academically when not presented with academic activities after a two week period. Listed below are some suggestions of how to prevent this from happening. Some private schools and universities have academic camps. Different classes in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies are available. They are presented in a relaxed, fun, and engaging atmosphere. Class size is often smaller than during the normal school year. Tutoring 1-on-1 three times a week is recommended for students who are at risk or have missed many skills during the academic school year. When 1-on-1 occurs, individual weak skills can be pin-pointed and strengthened. Tutoring in groups of 3 or 4 a couple times a week is recommended for average students to maintain their academic skills. Some cities have programs which enhance the brain’s functioning. This will not maintain or improve academic knowledge, but will train the brain to function faster and allow learning to be an easier process. Internet sites can be assessed in all subjects. Google the subject and skills (Ex: math dividing fractions). READ! READ! READ! Seasoning the summer with academic skills will produce benefits in the upcoming school year. |
| Nancy has been an educator for 30 years and is currently a special education teacher. She is the former Center Director of LearningRx in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has received local, state, and national recognition for her development of Downfeld Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program. Nancy also wrote curriculum for an educational technology company. She is a single mother of three children: one with learning differences, one gifted, and one who has to work for his grades. Not only does she know what it is like to teach all these different learning styles at school, but she has the experience of dealing with all aspects of each twenty-four seven. |
| www.marymaywrites.com |