KCSOS Provides Activities to Combat Summer Slide

With summer on the horizon for many students here in Kern County, parents should be aware of preventing what is known as the “summer slide.” The phrase “summer slide” refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that students experience over the summer break when they are not engaged in formal learning activities.

However, for just two to three hours per week during the summer, students who read or engage in another form of learning can prevent this loss of learning.

“The reality is half of all students lose up to 40% of their learning during the year – we don’t want them to start behind when they start the new school year,” said Justin Janssen, STEAM Program Specialist for KCSOS. “We need to treat our student’s brains like a muscle by exercising and stimulating it for only a couple of hours a week.”

To help parents, KCSOS has put together a list of activities that can help combat summer learning loss. Click the links below for more information:

MATH ACTIVITIES:

• Stay in math shape this summer with polygons.
• Test yourself with puzzles.
• Use math while shopping.
• Play a board game while practicing math.
• Use free online math resources.
• Find your way out of an escape room.

READING ACTIVITIES

• Find a favorite book and read with a friend.
• Create your own book or comic strip.
• Make reading a game.
• Build something using instructions.
• Create a character for a story to write.

STEAM ACTIVITIES

• Go on a hike and draw what you observe.
• Learn to code with Scratch.
• Grow a garden.
• Build something with household items.
• Become a citizen scientist.
• Create your own A.I.
• Perform summer science experiments.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Visit CALM Zoo and find out more about your favorite animals.
• Learn about Kern’s history at the museum.
• Explore the world from your house.
• Cook as a family.
• Read and code at the same time.