Debunking Five Popular Myths About Summer Learning

Apr 22, 2021 • Summer

The COVID-19 Pandemic has made difficult impacts on student learning across the country. Not only has it caused major gaps in academic learning, but COVID-19 has also evoked frustrations, stress, and concern about students. Students depend on education for more than just academic studies. School also offers extracurricular activities, social aid, and even counseling for the mental health of students. The pandemic can have a detrimental impact on the well-being of students. That is why prioritizing summer learning is so important this year.

Keep Brains Active With Summer Learning

The pandemic may impact students for years to come. The toll it has taken on children emotionally, socially, and academically can hinder them for years to come. That is why it is critical for students to keep their brains active and focused on their future. E-learning has become increasingly popular during the pandemic as it’s the most accessible way for students to learn. Parents can make online learning fun, effective, and engaging to increase their motivation to continue learning into the summertime. 

Read on to learn about popular myths students and parents have about summer learning and why they can be incorrect:

Myth #1: Students Need Summer Off To Recharge

School can be incredibly stressful and tiring. That is why many students and parents make the assumption that summertime should be children’s time off to recharge. However, summer learning is crucial to a child’s growth and development. It allows them to set goals for the following school year and prepare for the transition. Parents can help children thrive during the summertime by incorporating fun workbooks to help with early reading, writing, and even math skills. Although a short-term break from school can be invigorating, an extensive summer break can lead to boredom and cause academic regression.

Without the daily school structure summer camps and summer programs provide, children can become easily distracted and overwhelmed with boredom. This can set them on a path to rely on video games, television and the internet to pass the time. Instead, provide mental stimulation with engaging yet effective summer learning activities to keep them on the ball.

Myth #2: Schools Close In Summer Because Teachers and Students Will Burnout 

Year-round schooling does eliminate the two-month summer break. However, students that follow that schedule actually spend the same amount of time in class as those that follow the 10-month school schedule. This schedule has students in class for 180 days, equal to year-round students. The main difference is that those 180 days are just spread out over 12 months instead of the 10. Therefore, the concept that teachers and students will burn out in year-round school is not accurate. Some teachers have found year-long academic schedules with shorter breaks to be great for retention. They can collect vacation days to combat the burnout and drawback of a daily schedule.

Myth #3: Summer Learning and School Is Solely For Students With Low Grades

There’s a common misconception that summer school is exclusively reserved for students who are struggling in school. That is no longer true. In fact, summer school has become a viable option for students looking to get ahead in school or tackle credits in advance. Summer school programs provide fantastic opportunities for students to improve themselves at a much more convenient pace. Students are consistently working on certain topics or subjects, therefore, retaining that information can be much easier. It can take the weight off of students and allow them to juggle extracurricular activities, elective courses, and mandatory classes during the year.

Another important aspect is that summer school does not last all summer! It’s usually completed by the end of July to allow students to enjoy the final month before school starts again.

Myth #4: Summer Helps Students Prepare For Fall and Feel Refreshed

In some cases, summer can be a great time to prepare for the following school year. However, this is a scary myth to depend on. In fact, many students choose to spend summer relaxing, playing sports, and keeping their mind far from learning. This can be harmful. Summer learning loss can lead to grades declining by a full month of learning. Math decline was significantly higher than for reading, especially for higher grade levels. On average, students lose between 25-30% of school learning over summer break with students of color losing more compared to white student counterparts.

That is why it is critical for students to keep their brains active while balancing a relaxing time off. Summer setbacks can be harmful to students, which is why it’s important for parents to help them maintain a steady schedule.

Myth #5: Schools Would Not Shut Down If Summer Was Not Meant To Be A “Break”

The 10 month school year from September to June is the most popular. It exists because of two reasons. The first reason is that at the turn of the previous century, agricultural societies needed children to help their parents with farming and chores throughout the growing seasons. Secondly, in cities, schools were overwhelmingly hot during the summer and made it impossible for teachers and students to complete school. The school buildings at the time were also poorly ventilated and a health hazard. This school calendar is still applied, even though the previous reasons are void. 

School boards do not designate summer as a “break” specifically. In fact, school is off for the summertime because academic policymakers are choosing to follow the traditional system.

Prioritize Summer Learning To Prevent Summer Setback

GradePower Learning’s Summer Learning programs encourage children to learn all year long! Our programs help students keep their brains active and maintain learning momentum to prevent summer learning loss. Getting a head start on new subject matter or addressing challenging topics will help students prepare for the upcoming school year. Don’t let your student suffer the effects of summer learning loss- sign them up for summer learning programs to get ahead!