Summer Slide Stoppers- Activities to Keep Those Math Skills Sharp!
It's SUMMER TIME! Most kids are either already out on summer break or will be soon, and that means it's time for pools, beaches, bubbles, popsicles, and all-day fun! Parents are busy planning week-long camps, and summer care, to keep their kids engaged and socially active during these sunny months. But there's another important aspect to consider: preventing the dreaded "Summer Slide," especially in reading and math.
Research shows that students can lose between 27% to 50% of their math gains over the summer (NWEA). This loss can significantly hinder their progress when school resumes in the fall. While reading often finds its way into daily routines, math tends to be overlooked. So, what can you do to prevent the Summer Slide?
In the coming weeks, we’ll share a variety of fun, easy-to-implement activities to incorporate into your summer routine, ensuring that your kids retain their math skills. Here are some ideas to get started:
Fun for All Ages: Shaving Cream Math
Grab a tarp or an inflatable swimming pool, and fill it with dollar store shaving cream. Kids can have races to solve basic equations or number facts. It's messy, fun, and educational!
Hands On Movement Activities By Grade Level.
Elementary Level (K – 5):
Helping with Cooking and Reading Recipes: Measuring ingredients and following instructions incorporate math and reading skills.
Muffin Pan Money: Use a muffin pan to sort coins, practice counting, and make change.
Floor Symmetry: Use tape to create symmetrical shapes on the floor for kids to copy and learn about symmetry.
Using Legos: Build structures while practicing counting, addition, and patterns.
Middle and High School (6-12):
Obstacle Course: Design an obstacle course where each station includes a math challenge.
Number Throw: Write numbers on a target and have kids throw bean bags to hit the answers to math problems.
Cooking with Fractions: Bake or cook together, emphasizing the use of fractions in measuring ingredients.
Name the Shapes in the Real World: Identify and discuss geometric shapes in everyday objects.
Combat The Summer Slide With Engaging, Time-Saving Activities
Summer is a time for relaxation, but it doesn't mean learning has to take a back seat. For those days when hands-on activities requiring extensive setup or multiple facilitators aren't feasible, we’ve designed quick, 10-15 minute activities to keep young minds active and prevent the dreaded summer slide.
Anna and I have poured our efforts into creating hands-on group and individual activities used throughout the school year. Now, we’ve bundled these activities to help parents keep their children’s skills sharp during the summer. These bundles are perfect for maintaining foundational skills, ensuring that essential knowledge remains front and center instead of being replaced by summer fun. Each packet includes comprehensive answer keys and support from us—simply email us at maniacmathies@gmail.com for any help or clarification.
This packet includes materials on rounding, multiplication, and basic math facts. Additionally, it features our popular “Emergency Information” activity for Pre-K and Kindergarten students, teaching them vital information such as their phone number, address, and how to dial 911 using a practice phone.
Our Middle School Bundle is packed with activities on topics like Order of Operations, Multiplying and Dividing Mixed Numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem, Inequalities, and more. Designed for students who have completed 5th and 6th grade math, this bundle also benefits high school students looking to reinforce foundational skills.
The Algebra bundle focuses on essential algebra skills necessary for advancing in math and science courses. Topics include Factoring, Inequalities, Radicals, Rationalizing, Linear Equations and Inequalities, and Literal Equations. These activities are hands-on, featuring manipulations, cut-and-paste tasks, and mazes.
Introduction to Geometry
Our weekly geometry bundles break down complex topics into manageable pieces, perfect for easing anxiety around challenging subjects like proofs. While not a substitute for year-long instruction, these bundles offer guided notes, access to exclusive instructional videos, practice activities, and short quizzes to assess understanding.
Geometry Bundles Include:
Whether you're a parent looking to keep your child’s skills fresh or a tutor seeking supplementary materials, our Summer Slide Stopper and Geometry bundles provide the resources needed for effective and engaging summer learning. Reach out to us at maniacmathies@gmail.com for any questions or support. Let's make this summer a time of continued growth and discovery!
Enjoy a Fun and Productive Summer
This summer let's blend excitement and education to ensure that kids not only have a blast but also keep their academic skills sharp. Stay tuned for more detailed activities and tips to make this the best summer yet—without the worry of the Summer Slide. Happy summer break!
