encouraging your child to read. Research shows that continuing to read through the summer – even just minutes each day – may help prevent a child with literacy challenges from skill regression. Set aside time each day for reading, perhaps even aloud or together.
Additionally, find ways to keep your child mentally and physically engaged in activities that encourage a child to explore, experience new things, and stay active. Games, arts and crafts, visits to local parks and attractions are among some ways to boost a child’s intellectual skills.”
Programs such as Horizons Atlanta are doing the necessary summer enrichment to keep their kids on-par with the rest of their peers. The hands-on approach used by Horizon’s has shown to be a highly effective tool for transforming not only the individual student but the community as a whole.
“In the project-based Horizons approach, students “learn by doing.” They become inspired as they explore reading, math, science, music, theater, art, swimming, and other activities that cultivate creativity and leadership. Their educational model is designed to fuel a life-long passion for learning, using a blend of high-quality academics with cultural enrichment and confidence-building activities.”
Horizons Atlanta has shown great success in closing that achievement gap in the summer by providing an awesome six-week, full-day summer program. Their small classes led by professional teachers have helped to produce two to three months of measurable growth in reading and math.
Don’t let your summer get away from you without doing something for your child that will set them up for academic success in the future. I’m sure they’ll gripe about not being able to play Fortnite all day, but they’ll thank you dearly when they’re college educated and paid. Be sure to check out your local libraries bulletin boards or websites for free, educational activities for your little ones.
Daunte Henderson, founder of the MADEMAN Foundation, author, and educator based in Chicago. You can follow him at @brotherhenderson on IG