womanthismonth.com | JULY 2025 OPINION 66 Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Dr. Fifi Kiwan, discusses Summer Brain Drain, often called the ‘Summer Slide,’ which refers to the learning loss many students experience over the long break. You’ve probably heard the saying: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This rings especially true for kids during the summer break. While the school year is behind us, many children risk losing some of the knowledge they gained while having fun in the sun. What Is Summer Brain Drain? According to the National Summer Learning Association, kids can lose about two months of maths skills during this time. Studies show that standardised test scores tend to dip significantly after summer holiday, highlighting the importance of keeping those brains active. 1. Enrol in a Brain Training Programme Consider enrolling your child in a brain training programme that uses evidence-based strategies to enhance cognitive skills. These structured programmes are designed to improve areas such as memory, attention and problem-solving abilities. Research shows that participants often experience significant gains in their learning capacity and academic performance. By investing in a brain training course, you can help your child develop the skills they need to excel in school and beyond. 2. Writing Practice Encourage your child to write! For younger kids, this could mean crafting a few simple sentences. Older kids might enjoy journaling, making scrapbooks or writing short stories. This not only keeps their writing skills sharp but also sparks creativity. 3. Creative Play Learning doesn’t always happen at a desk! Creative play has fantastic developmental benefits. Activities like card games can boost maths skills and strategic thinking, while building with Lego enhances fine motor skills. Let their imagination run wild! 4. Summer Reading Make reading a part of your summer routine. Just 10 minutes of reading each day can have a significant impact. Join a summer book club, read aloud together or even work on fun book reports. The options are endless! 5. Educational Trips Plan outings that combine fun and learning. Visits to engaging places can enhance your child’s knowledge and problem-solving skills. These experiences provide a hands-on approach to learning, keeping your child curious and excited about new concepts. If traveling isn’t possible, consider exploring virtual experiences that can also stimulate their interest and imagination. Enjoying Summer Together Summer is a time for relaxation and family bonding, but it doesn’t have to mean a complete break from learning. With these simple strategies, you can help your child retain their skills while creating lasting memories. So, dive into summer with a mix of fun and learning to ensure your child heads back to school ready to shine! Summer Brain Drain: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO BEAT IT Students lose an average of 2.6 months of maths skills and two months of reading skills during summer. The first six weeks of the new school year are often spent re-learning material from the previous year. The learning loss becomes more pronounced in higher grade levels. Did You Know? How to Combat Summer Learning Loss Don’t worry! There are plenty of fun and easy ways to keep your child’s mind sharp during the summer. Just a few hours of educational activities each week can make a big difference. Here are some creative ideas to consider:
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