Avoiding summer knowledge loss

As the middle of summer approaches, parents and students alike are beginning to feel a certain doldrum. That is, without school in session, moms and dads are left wondering, "What do we do with junior now that he doesn't have any school work?"
Sure, there's always summer camps and creative community opportunities like library programs or summer art institutes, but sometimes choosing the most brain-enhancing opportunity can become a challenge. A few things to consider as a parent who doesn't want their child's brain to wither over the summer months:

1. What were your child's "trouble spots" last year during school? If it was math, perhaps there's a numerical activity that may help enhance your son or daughter in the area where they found difficulty. Likewise, if your child's reading or writing was weaker last year, maybe you will want to find a summer program that emphasizes those areas. Lots of communities have library book programs or even writing "clubs" where kids can express themselves without fear of a "bad grade," but the practice helps keep their skills sharp for the upcoming year. Plus, lots of these opportunities are just plain fun.

2. Was your child struggling with creativity? In other words, did he or she have problems generating original thought in classes like language arts or in elective classes such as ceramics? In an age where kids are served content on a silver platter, they are not charged with the responsibility of using their critical thinking skills outside of school very often. Video games, Ipods, text messaging, and the full realm of other techno-entertainments have this generation wired to respond and react, instead of teaching them to be unique and inventive. One way to encourage your child's creative side is through local classes in areas like cooking, art, or other endeavors that require an inventive spirit. By encouraging creativity, you are preparing them for the endeavors that lie ahead in the school year to come.

3. Tutoring is always available year-round. If your concern over your child's grades and progress is on the forefront of your mind, even at this point in the year, then certainly, tutoring is advisable. The great thing about tutoring services is that, unlike public or even private schools, tutors are willing to help at any point during the year, even if that's the doldrums of summer. Here at Academic Success Partners, we find that students sometimes learn best during the summer, as they are unhindered by the organizational and strategic stresses that accompany school participation. Their social reputations and the other peer-relations factors that sometimes plague students during the school year are now set aside, and they can concentrate better.

For more information on enrolling your child in summer tutoring, please use the contact information in the right hand column, and do not hesitate to contact an ASP representative today! Time is valuable, and tutoring is affordable. We look forward to helping your student reach his or her individual and academic goals!