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Beat the Summer Brain Drain

Summer Literacy Program aim to prevent summer learning loss

June 4, 2015

While summerreading is typically associated with school-age children, it’s equally important to keepinfants, toddlers and preschool-age children intellectually engaged over the summer. The Barefoot Books Summer Reading program has something to offer for children in a wide age range, from birth to 10 years and older.

Brain drain, summer learning loss, summer slide or summer holiday “unlearning” refers to students’ loss of skill and knowledge over the summer months. Did you know that students lose an average of one month of school learning over the summer holidays? Teachers of all grade levels often need to spend the first several weeks of each school year re-teaching what students learned the year before.

There are many ways parents may help prevent this loss

  • Reading at least six books or more over the summer may help children retain learning from the previous year.
  • Have a diverse selection of books in your home for children to access – children are more engaged when they select the books they read.
  •  Make sure to include books that reinforce basic learning concepts like math and science. Bring the books to life.
  • Don’t just read the books, talk about them. Make crafts based on the stories. Dress up like the characters. 

Barefoot Books is launching a Summer Reading campaign on June 16th and I want YOU to get in on the FREE 12-week email program featuring literacy tips and activities to help your child prevent summer brain drain.

The tools that you will be provided with in our literacy-focused 12-week email program will allow you to spend quality time with your child while also strengthening his or her reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking and conversation skills.

Each week builds until we wrap up with tips to transition into autumn. Each participant will also receive a summer reading list, book log and pirate-themed scavenger hunt. Every child that completes the book log and scavenger hunt will receive a pirate treasure at the end of summer. 

If you would like to sign up, please click here. Please include your child(s) ages.

For over 20 years, Barefoot Books has created bright, colourful books for children that combine beautiful artwork with captivating storytelling. Our books capture the imagination, spark curiosity, inspire creativity and instill a respect for cultural, social and ecological diversity.

Barefoot Books Chestermere