Summer Slide: Addressing Learning Differences

Summer break is often seen as a time for students to relax and recharge, but for those with learning differences, the extended break from structured educational environments can present unique challenges. Learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD can significantly impact a student’s ability to retain and build upon the knowledge gained during the school year. Here’s a look at how these differences can affect students over the summer and what can be done to support them.

The Summer Slide and Learning Differences

One of the most well-documented phenomena in education is the “summer slide,” where students lose some of the academic gains made during the school year over the summer break. For students with learning differences, this slide can be more pronounced, as these students often require consistent practice and reinforcement of skills to maintain their progress. Without the structured support they receive in school, they may struggle to keep up, leading to a more significant loss of skills and knowledge.

Challenges Faced by Students with Learning Differences

1. ‍Dyslexia: Students with dyslexia may find it particularly challenging to maintain their reading skills over the summer. The lack of daily reading practice and support can result in a decline in reading fluency and comprehension. These students greatly benefit from regular, structured reading activities (like those found in Orton-Gillingham Plus) that reinforce the strategies they have learned during the school year.
2. ADHD: For students with ADHD, the unstructured nature of summer can be both a blessing and a curse. While they may enjoy the break from the rigors of a structured classroom, the lack of routine can lead to difficulties in maintaining focus and managing time effectively. These students often thrive with a balanced mix of structured activities and free time.‍
3. Executive Functioning Challenges: Many students with learning differences struggle with executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, and time management. Over the summer, these skills can deteriorate without the daily practice and reinforcement provided by the school environment. This can make the transition back to school in the fall more difficult.
   

Strategies You Can Use to Support Students Over the Summer

1. Create a Summer Schedule: Establishing a daily routine that includes time for academic activities, physical exercise, and leisure can help students with learning differences maintain their skills and manage their time effectively.
2. Engage in Educational Activities: Incorporate fun, educational activities into the summer routine. This could include reading together, educational games, and interactive learning apps that reinforce key skills in a fun and engaging way.
3. Encourage Reading: For students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, regular reading practice is essential. Choose books that interest them and are at an appropriate reading level. Audiobooks can also be a great way to keep them engaged with literature.
4. Provide Consistent Support: We're always here to provide tutoring or academic support over the summer, whether your child is struggling with a learning difference or is seeking enrichment.
5. Focus on Skill Building: Summer is a great time to work on specific skills that may be challenging during the school year, including test prep, executive functioning skills, or specific academic skills that need reinforcement.
   

Looking Ahead

While summer can present challenges for students with learning differences, it also offers an opportunity to address these challenges in creative and engaging ways. By understanding the unique needs of our students and providing targeted support, we can help ensure that the summer break is both enjoyable and beneficial. As we look ahead to the new school year, maintaining a focus on consistency, support, and skill-building will help those learning differences transition smoothly back into the classroom, ready to succeed and thrive.

We look forward to making sustained, positive impacts on the educational journeys of all students.