The La Crosse Tribune – Leanna Landsmann
“Teachers love this question, because summer learning loss is real. Research by Duke University professor Harris Cooper shows that without stimulating activities to keep kids’ brains in gear during the lazy days of summer, their new knowledge gets hazy. Studies find that students who “veg out” during vacation show little or no academic growth over summer, at best. At worst, they lose one to three months of learning. Learning loss is greater in math than reading, says Cooper. He hypothesizes that most parents encourage kids to read over the summer, but are less likely to pay attention to math. That’s why Charleston, Ill., teacher Pam Evans recommends that kids practice math skills they’ve haven’t mastered.”(more)