Summer is on the horizon and everyone is looking forward to it. As soon as the last school bell rings, students grab their backpacks and head out the doors, leaving school behind for a few months. For many students they attend camps or summer reading programs, but for others it can be a lot of video games, social media, and a lot of TV watching. This can lead to what is often referred to as "summer slide" where our students' skills, especially in math and reading, can take a dip during the summer because students aren't actively practicing them. This makes it difficult for students who are behind to keep up with their peers and achieve their goals. In Spartanburg School District Six, we want to provide our parents and students with multiple opportunities for students to engage in learning throughout the summer months through the use of online learning tools we have available for students to access on their district laptops. So no matter where you go this summer, you can continue to grow!
Below are our top five ways you can suggest to students and parents to help ensure that students are engaged in an enjoyable and rigorous experience that targets their growth as readers.
Promote independent reading this summer and participate in an incentive program through your local library.
Example: Spartanburg Public Library’s Summer Reading Program
http://www.spartanburglibraries.org/Events/Summer-Reading/Kids-Summer-Reading
Encourage inquiry through independent research projects
Example: A Summer Curiosity Project
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10NLmwfAmYW26vhBrAPgeVVCoZbc9kImZohSYgOBR63I/edit?usp=sharing
Provide authentic learning experiences
Examples:
Chapman Cultural Center: www.chapmanculturalcenter.org
Spartanburg Science Center: www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org
Spartanburg Children’s Museum: https://www.tcmupstate.org/spartanburg-visit
Incorporate writing through real world opportunities
Example:
Top 10 Ways to Help Your Student Start the Summer Off “Write”:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LvI9blhpUWPmzjoQmqPB9CfPKTYo_Bzu/view?usp=sharing
Utilize technology in meaningful ways
Examples: Virtual Field Trips:
https://ditchthattextbook.com/20-virtual-field-trip-ideas-and-activities-for-your-classroom/
iReady Personalized Instruction:
https://www.curriculumassociates.com/products/i-ready/i-ready-learning/personalized-instruction