Top 5 tips to avoid the dreaded summer slump

​When I was a teacher, we often used to talk of the ‘summer slump’ in the staffroom.  

​The summer slump is when students forget some of what they have learnt during the previous school year.  We always found that reading was one of the most affected curriculum areas. This backwards slide means that often, a good portion of Term 1 is spent helping students return to the levels of the previous year.

What can you do to avoid the summer slump?

The excitement of festive season has passed. So, now is the time to look at how you can help your child stay on top of their game.  We have some practical strategies you can use to reinforce their learning without turning the holidays into a reading boot camp.

Find time to read

​Spending 10–15 minutes reading with your child each day is one of the best ways you can help them with their learning.  

​Ask gentle questions and discuss tricky vocabulary, but remember the main goal is to enjoy this time with your child.  The aim of this time is to encourage your child to enjoy reading.  You want reading to be a pleasure, not a chore.

Take turns reading 

​Children of all ages and reading levels will benefit from both reading aloud to you and hearing you read aloud to them. Reading aloud to children is an excellent way to build their understanding. It shows them what expressive reading sounds like and gives them an opportunity to enjoy a story.

​By taking turns reading and listening, your child gets the best of both worlds.  They learn more than if they were only the reader or the listener.

Listen to audio books together

​Audiobooks take the pressure off your child to read aloud, especially if they are not yet fluent readers. There are some fantasic audiobooks available from Auckland libraries. You could also try Tumblebooks. It’s an online collection of read-along titles which feature adjustable text and complete audio narration.  Sentences are highlighted as they are read which can help with developing listening skills.

Another option is text readers.  There are a variety available, including a free version, WordTalk which runs on Microsoft Word. This can be set this to read one word at a time, one paragraph at a time or continuously. It can also convert text to MP3 so students can record their own voice as an audio comment which can be useful for capturing their ideas straight away to revise later. 

Become a regular at your local library

Take advantage of your local library, you’ll be surprised at what you can find there! The librarians are always happy to help you select books that match your child's age, interests, and abilities.

​Libraries often run summer reading programs that motivate kids to read, with a series of goals and rewards.  I can highly recommend Auckland Libraries’ Dare to Explore programme.

If you have a reluctant reader

​Some children need more help than others to learn to read.  The book, 101 Ways to get your Child to Read is full of way to encourage reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Finally, remember,

Reading should be fun!  Enjoy this special time with your child. 
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If you want to motivate your child, consider using sticker chart working towards an end goal. Maybe you could plan a fun activity or special outing to finish of the summer holidays.

Written by Marie Kelly, Director, KTL Tuition and Kidz Therapy