Parenting, Special Education

6 Ways to Stop Summer Learning Loss in Children with Special Needs

The summer-break balancing act can be tricky, especially for parents of children who struggle with learning. Your child has worked hard during the school year in an educational setting, and you can tell that he or she is ready for a break, but you fear that too much of a break can lead to loss of skills—social, behavioral, physical, or academic. These anxieties are not uncommon among parents, and fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent summer learning loss for your child with special needs.

1. Reread your child’s IEP.

Before you create a plan to prevent summer learning loss, it’s essential to know the individualized goals outlined for your child in the previous school year and which of those you can continue to work on during the summer. You can also review recent schoolwork that was sent home with your child to understand the specific skills and types of activities your child has been working on most recently.

2. Transform everyday moments into learning opportunities.

Everyday chores, such as cooking dinner as a family and grocery shopping, are actually learning moments just waiting to be discovered. Practicing fractions with real-world examples while chopping vegetables or learning about money management by creating a budget before going to the farmer’s market are natural ways to incorporate learning into the tasks your child already helps with. When you disguise learning as a fun activity, children won’t mind participating. Deceptive? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely!

3. Keep it simple.

When it comes to summer learning for children with special needs, simplicity is ideal. Learning opportunities surround them every day. You don’t have to force it. If you’re trying to help kids build independence skills, ask them to help you with your daily routines—cooking, setting the table, running errands, etc. If you’re trying to improve social skills, plan a party with his or her friends. Enroll your child in a gymnastics class or a recreational sport, if he or she is physically able. If you’re trying to build or retain math skills, ask your child to count specific things as you’re out and about: "How many red cars do you see?" "How much change do I have in my purse?" Math is everywhere! If you want to improve reading or writing skills, ask your child to write postcards to family and friends. And be sure to check out your local library for summer reading programs.

4. Take advantage of extended learning programs.

Not only is this a great way to learn new skills and retain learned skills, but it is also a fun way for kids to engage with other children over the summer. Many schools offer summer learning programs, but there are excellent community opportunities as well.

5. Plan trips.

You already know that learning opportunities are everywhere. Now it’s time to explore them! Sprinkle in some field trips this summer so your child can learn in different settings. It doesn’t have to be anywhere fancy, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Take your child to a park or a lake. Go to a zoo or a library. Encourage your child to take in the scenery while providing information about that specific area. Watch for license plates from other states (a fun game to pass the time). Ask your child for ideas and plan a trip according to his or her interests—and then let the learning take over!

6. Relax.

Yes, summer learning is important, but so is relaxation. Make sure your child has enough time to unwind and recharge this summer. A well-rested child will be ready and willing to take on the new school year with confidence. [google_analytics_views]