Karen's Tutoring

The Summer Slide

June 19th, 2010 by Karen

This is the time of year I receive an increase in inquiries about my tutoring services.  Many parents are looking to get a little extra help over the summer for a struggling student. Some are simply trying to enrich their child’s education. And many are trying to avoid the “summer slide” that so many students experience over the summer.  Teachers often spend the first month of school reviewing subject matter the students should already know, but due to lack of brain exercise over the summer the knowledge is lost. Personally, I feel these are all excellent reasons to secure a tutor for the summer.

However, I had an interesting email come across my computer the other day. A mother with a pre-schooler and a child entering first grade in the fall wanted me to tutor her children to increase their “basic skills.” Really? A three year old needs tutoring? Now, I realize that NCLB and The Race to the Top has put increased pressure on teachers, parents, and students alike. But this was just too much for me. I politely declined and suggested she get them involved in a summer reading program at the local library, take them on excursions to the zoo and museums, and just spend the majority of time reading to and playing with them. She thanked me for reminding her of all the things she could do herself with her children…as we all should be doing.

As I reflected on this mother’s request, I realized there are possibly other parents in the same quandary. “How do I help my child be prepared for school when it resumes in the fall and not forget what he/she was taught last year?”  So I decided to go on a Google treasure hunt. Below are some helpful resources that can be the impetus to parents making their own summer programs and camps…without spending an arm and a leg…as well as helping your child avoid the “summer slide.”  Here’s to a fun and educational summer!

http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1146.html

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3748163

http://www.kidsource.com/education/summer.activities.art.html

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/23428

http://www.alpine.k12.ut.us/phpApps/genericPage.php?pdid=700

And these are just a beginning. Just let your imagination be your guide, and take every opportunity to make each experience a teaching moment. After all, parents are the child’s first teacher.