During the summer months away from school, every student risks summer learning loss. Children can lose up to 3 months in reading skills over the summer. Below are some tips to prevent “the summer brain drain.”

Milwaukee Public Library Summer Reading Program

Visit any Milwaukee Public Library to sign-up for the summer reading program. Children receive a folder to track the minutes they have read. They can earn food coupons, free admission to fun places around town, and a free book. Milwaukee Public Library also has hundreds of free in-library events all summer. For more information or to sign up click here.

Take a book to the pool

Taking a book to the pool can help incorporate reading into your summer plans. Most Milwaukee County pools offer open swim seven days a week from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Click here for details Prices are $3 for children ages 3-11 and $4 for children ages 12 and up. A season pass is $30 (ages 12 and up) and $20 (11 and under).

Write a postcard

Whether you are on vacation or exploring a new part of the city, have your child write a postcard. It can help with their penmanship while encouraging them to write the most important information since it is a small space.

Incorporate physical activity into your summer plans

During the summer months, physical fitness can also decline. It is important to encourage physical activity all summer long. Studies show that physical health is known to enhance academic performance. Encourage your child to learn a new sport or go on walks and explore the city.

If you have any other suggestions to prevent summer brain drain, please add a comment below.

Sources: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/summer-learning-loss-statistics/