Learning during the holidays is a great way to keep their confidence boosted and their minds busy, so let\u2019s explore some ideas\u2026<\/strong><\/p> We\u2019re all well-versed at home learning now, aren\u2019t we? With zoom meetings, virtual lessons, and parents learning to support their kids<\/a> in loads of new and exciting ways, it\u2019s fair to say that learning at home is par for the course. <\/p> Well, just because school is out for summer doesn\u2019t mean that learning must come to a halt. <\/p> Summer learning loss<\/a> is a theory that has been around for years. It is all about how students learning levels drop after a break from education.<\/p> One early study found that \u201con average, students\u2019 achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month\u2019s worth of school-year learning\u201d.<\/em><\/p> Furthermore, the loss was more extensive for those at a higher grade. Some research suggest<\/a> a loss of up to 50% in mathematics and nowhere near as much in reading, but the common consensus is: if you don\u2019t use it, you\u2019ll lose it!<\/p> This loss can start as soon as the gates close on the playground on the last day of school \u2013 where else are they going to do multiplication and geography lessons, after all?<\/p> Especially when the learning has to compete with summer parties, playtime and sleeping in on a weekday! Yes, as soon as summer gets into gear, education can fall right by the wayside.<\/p> The disadvantages of summer holidays:<\/strong><\/p> Quick Tip: Keep your Preschooler learning with these Fun Preschool Activities<\/a><\/strong> that sneak in learning into play.<\/em><\/p> On the other hand, just like a short break from work<\/a>, the summer holidays can be beneficial for children\u2019s mental health, wellbeing, and overall learning.<\/p> The advantages of summer holidays:<\/strong><\/p> There are two sides to it all, but there are ways to mitigate any potential negatives.<\/p> The best way to prevent any unnecessary backsliding is to educate children at home. It\u2019s as simple as that. <\/p> The issue is, how do you help and encourage your child to learn when there are loads of fun things to do with all their newly-acquired free time?<\/p> Well, to get started, there\u2019s a great list of fun activities parents and kids can get involved with\u00a0here<\/a>. Fun is the key word there, as studies show<\/a>\u00a0that when children can do hands-on activities<\/a> themselves, their engagement (read learning!) improves.<\/p> Related: Games can greatly aid learning and lead to higher retention. Make the best of gaming with these fun 45 Math Games for Kindergarten <\/a><\/strong>that are sure to make math hands-on.<\/em><\/p> So basically, if they enjoy it and can do it themselves, they\u2019re more likely to stick with it and learn. <\/p> With that in mind, here are some top tips for organising home learning during summer:<\/p> Not only will this help keep the children in a bit of routine with bedtimes, set meal times and regular activities, but it will also will make things so much easier for parents too. <\/p> With everything in the plan and prepped to go, there will be no panicking trying to find an activity or learning opportunity as it will already be sorted.<\/p> Subjects like maths and geography can see the biggest learning losses, so try to incorporate these into home learning.<\/p> Baking<\/a> and cooking are good for maths as there are measurements and counting, so is measuring heights, rearranging utensils and more. National Geographic<\/a> has some fun ideas for geography home learning too.<\/p> Related: Check out these Online Learning Resources for Kids<\/a> <\/strong>to make learning fun at home.<\/em><\/p> One of the best things about summer is the free time kids have to explore and try new things, so why not make the most of that? <\/p> It all comes back to that engagement side of things \u2013 should they find a new interest or activity they enjoy, allow them to explore it and learn all about it. <\/p> Quick Tip: Think about taking online virtual trips<\/a><\/strong> or playing typing games with kids<\/a><\/strong> that will help them learn how to touch type.<\/em><\/p> In the long run, it could help them discover what they\u2019re good at and form their future education path. <\/p> Related: Try Podcasts for Kids<\/a><\/strong>\u2026They are a fun way to sneak in learning and offer myriad of options to choose from.<\/em><\/p> If you think about it, getting kids into learning during summer is kind of the same as getting them to eat vegetables \u2013 you\u2019ve got to sneak them in a bit. <\/p> This is especially true if they have difficulty learning and dislike certain aspects of school. So, here are a few sneaky ideas:<\/p> Reading isn\u2019t a subject where you normally see much loss over summer, but kids reading practice is still important. <\/p> Just don\u2019t make it an obvious list or chore. Instead, you could ask them if they want to try a new genre or series?<\/p> If they\u2019re not bothered by a specific book or theme, then you can find curated book sets<\/a> for specific ages, or find out if your local library is running a summer reading challenge.<\/p> If there\u2019s a summer party on the horizon, then there are likely invites and cards that need writing out for guests. Why not make it a kid\u2019s job and help them practise their writing and grammar skills?<\/p> Both nature walks<\/a> and outdoor play are great for childhood development in general. Activities like going to the playground and exploring new environments build up confidence and boost motor skills<\/a> such as coordination and balance. <\/p> They also offer excellent learning opportunities, and they\u2019re fun to boot! Here are some outside STEM activities kids can do to learn about science, technology, and maths \u2013 check them out!<\/a><\/p> Related: If outdoors is not an option, try these fun Summer Activities for Kids<\/a><\/strong> or indulge in some Fun Family Games<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p> While screen time is a concern and has been linked to depression<\/a>, eye strain, and a less healthy diet, there are ways to make this time beneficial. <\/p> For instance, there are plenty of films and shows which are based in education. And, with a bit of research, you can find some\u00a0movies with more scientific themes and ideas<\/a>\u00a0for kids to explore.<\/p> Critical thinking puzzles<\/a><\/strong> are great way to fire up your kid\u2019s brain. They are a fun way to sneak in math skills along with logical reasoning. Explore NVR & NR puzzles for kids<\/a><\/strong> 8 years and above. For kindergarten kids, try magic squares<\/a><\/strong> that work at numeracy skills while building logic. <\/p> At the end of the day, summer is a time of fun and frolics with friends and family, but that doesn\u2019t have to mean that learning is completely forgotten.<\/p> From reading books to days out, baking, tv and more, summer learning loss can be managed by parents with a carefully (and sneakily) planned diary of things to do and see.<\/p> If done right, the return to school will be much smoother, and the children will be able to get back on track in no time. So, get going and try out a few fun home learning ideas for the summer!<\/p> Author:<\/p> Debbie Woodliffe<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The summer holidays are classically seen as playtime all the time, which is great as it allows your kids to relax and enjoy being young. But some children find these weeks of non-stop play can make it harder for them to jump back into the education atmosphere. Let\u2019s explore why and what you can do […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23099,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[751],"kidpillar_schema_keyword":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-23094","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-parenting","8":"tag-1-homelearning","9":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nThe Summer Learning Loss Theory<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"Learning](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kidpillar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/thomas-kolnowski-gqsY28obvH8-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C338&ssl=1\")
<\/a>The School-Summer Transition<\/strong><\/h2>
How to Educate Your Child at Home In The Holidays<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Make a Schedule (but don\u2019t tell the kids)<\/h3>
![\"Summer](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kidpillar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/estee-janssens-aQfhbxailCs-unsplash.jpg?resize=640%2C428&ssl=1\")
<\/a>2. Consider Subjects That Are Common for Learning Loss<\/h3>
![\"Math\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kidpillar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/lewis-keegan-oB2aEeE8s4A-unsplash.jpg?resize=640%2C404&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>3. Try New Things<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kidpillar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/robo-wunderkind-hLvQ4-QEBAE-unsplash.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>Fun Ways to Sneak in The Learning<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Set Up a Summer Reading List<\/h3>
2. Write to Family and Friends<\/h3>
3. Get Out and About<\/h3>
4. Watching TV<\/h3>
5. Play Brain Games<\/h3>
Last Thoughts\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>