Did you know that Americans are ranked 24th in the world in math skills and 17th in the world in science? While other students are learning all throughout the year in other countries American students take two or three months off. There is a lot of learning that is lost during the summer months. It is often called the summer brain drain. Students who have gained so much knowledge each year take their brains on vacation.
The United States can no longer let each summer slip by without reinforcing each student’s knowledge. For example during the summer a parent could give a question for the day that their student must research. Then give an reward for the number of questions that are answered right at the end of the summer. The most important thing that you can do is discuss new information the student is learning from their research.
The most important thing that you can do is keep your child engaged in the learning process. Teach your student how to be a self learner. Students need to know that even when they don’t have homework there is something to learn. They can read additional books or work on other math problems. Purchase math or language software to make learning fun for the summer. Here are seven things that you can continue to do each summer.
1. Get a list of books from the local library that your student will read
2. Visit a local museum and participate in a class
3. High school students can attend a class at the local community college
4. Go to a local theatre or orchestra
5. Visit another city to tour the historical sites and have a family discussion
6. Attend a summer program on college campus
7. Participate in an internship with a local legislator
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The brain drain limits the country’s ability to compete with other global companies. Every student needs to use the summer as an opportunity to get ahead and learn more about computers. A student can reach out to their local council person or city council representative to learn more about the government. Students should volunteer on a special project in your local community. This is one of the best ways to let a students understand that learning opportunities surround us every day.
The goal is to create enthusiasm about learning. Often students do not make a connection between what they are learning and a career opportunity. It’s best to expose students to a wide variety of careers. Some children start talking about their career interests while they are in elementary school. If they are interested in computers and robots arrange a meeting with a computer expert. The summer is a chance to raise your student’s curiosity.
The summer brain drain can be stopped but it takes active learning. You can inspire your student to invest in their own intellectual growth. Put your student on the road to success by knowing what gets them excited. Try using sports as an opportunity to learn math. A student can learn about statistics and percentages by studying many sports. If they are involved in a sport summer camp start a conversation about their team statistics. It will help you to hear what your student understands about math.
The summer can be the best learning experience of the year. Keep your student’s thirst for knowledge as a high priority for your family. This is the time to observe how your student learns. Then expose them to new experiences that challenge them to stretch their imagination. Let’s shut the brain drain down and help every student to go back to school ready for new knowledge. If you are looking for someone to give your parents a seminar contact Dr. Jones at 610-842-3843.
