Boost Student Math Skills Through Summer Fun

During April and May, the words on every student’s (and some teachers’) lips are, “I can’t wait until summer!” Students work hard all year, and to have some extended time away from the classroom can help to recharge them and renew enthusiastic for school again. Summer should be a time of fun, but for many it can mean a real drop in skills learned during the school year, especially in math.

Some students have no problem maintaining their math skills through a summer break, but other students who seem to struggle with math, a long reprieve can put a student at a disadvantage when school begins. However, as a former math teacher, I can suggest many ways to insure your child is ready to begin the next grade when school begins again in the fall.

Many tutoring centers offer summer programs. Sylvan Learning Centers offer “Sylvan Camps” in the summer, with certified teachers and small groups. Camps are designed for different ages and the various camps have names like “Camp Sum Fun” and “Fraction Action.” Call your local Sylvan for information.

Other smaller tutoring centers can also offer excellent programs and at times have even more individualized attention than a larger company can offer. Look in your local yellow pages for centers in your community. Check with http://pymath.com/ListMathCamps.php for a listing of math camps throughout the country. Ask at your local university regarding math camps for younger students. Your local school supply store or your child’s teacher may also have information about local opportunities.

If there is not a summer program offered in your community, find a high school student who likes math and is willing to work with your child. Go out and buy some fun workbooks or software that is age appropriate that they can work on together. Set aside a place in your home, and make refreshments and fun break activities they can enjoy. The key to summer learning is fun, fun, fun!