Within 24 to 48 hours after learning new concepts, students often begin to forget them unless the information is reinforced or applied immediately. That’s why, during school breaks, even the best students often seem to forget the lessons they have learned in the classroom. While a break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, if children aren’t using the skills and information they acquired in the classroom, they could find themselves lagging behind once the school bell rings again.

Following are great ways to help your child continue to learn, in a fun way, when away from school.

Academic Camps. To make the most of school breaks, look for camps that provide an academic focus. Programs, such as the academic camps offered by Sylvan Learning, provide a broad selection of courses to suit individual needs. They can help a child better understand concepts, increase problem-solving know-how and sharpen overall skills in areas such as math, reading, writing or study skills. Even if your family is traveling or your child is already attending camp, children can benefit from these short, two-week camps that focus on specific subjects and are offered within a small group environment.
When selecting an academic camp, look for:

• Ones with expertise in the subject of your choosing.
• Personal instructors with experience teaching children the same age as your child.
• Certified staff who can teach your child’s specific curriculum.
• A schedule that fits your needs.

At Home Strategies. No matter what your schedule is for break, whether it’s traveling or staying home, there are some fun and easy ways to reinforce learning:

• Writing: To help writing skills, encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a grandparent or friend.
• Mathematics: Ask your child to keep the budget for groceries. This will help him or her develop planning skills and allow the student to budget for the extras that he or she might want during the school break.
• Reading: Local libraries offer infinite resources for children and librarians can help you develop a reading list that is appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests. Many libraries offer free children’s programs and clubs.
• Internet: There are an abundance of sites that provide free summer reading lists for children. At www.BookAdventure.com, children (grades K-8) create personalized book lists from more than 7,000 recommended titles, take quizzes on the books they’ve read at school or at home, and earn points to redeem for small prizes based on their understanding of the books they’ve read. The program is designed to motivate students to read more often, for longer periods of time and with greater understanding.
• Analysis and Logic: Board games and puzzles are not only fun but also help children to develop and reinforce skills. Play together as a family to double the fun.

It is never too early or too late to help your child develop the academic skills, habits and attitudes that last a lifetime.

Article provided by Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. Sylvan Learning has more than 900 centers located throughout North America. In its 30 years, Sylvan’s proven process and personalized methods have inspired more than 2 million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan-trained and certified personal instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan helps transform kids into inspired learners with the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else.