Summer learning loss: Educator shares tips to keep kids on track

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Children who are not actively learning over the summer are at risk of falling behind when they return to the classroom, according to a local educator.

Brittany Cokley, owner and director of A Bright Start Learning Academy, said the break from school can create a noticeable disconnect for students.

“You definitely see a regression with the learning when they come back into the classroom because they have to brush up on those skills,” Cokley said. “They’re not freshening their mind versus them going to school every day.”

Impact on educators and the new school year

Cokley said the learning gap also affects teachers at the start of each school year.

“It makes it harder because as an educator, you have to go back and reteach instead of you moving forward as you should be,” she said.

She noted that some schools build review weeks into the beginning of the school year to account for the loss.

Tips for families this summer

Cokley said there are resources available to families that many parents are not aware of. She recommended taking children to the library, noting that her local branch holds a reading session on Wednesdays.

She also suggested purchasing a workbook — she said she found one on Amazon for $10 — and having children complete at least one page per day.

“Just keep those skills going, because learning is something that you’re going to use and apply every day,” Cokley said.

For families looking for low-cost options around the house, Cokley recommended placing flashcards in common areas and incorporating learning into everyday outings, such as asking children to calculate costs while shopping.

Screen time and hands-on learning

Cokley said excessive screen time can affect a child’s focus and should be balanced with hands-on activities.

“It is still so important to have that one-on-one interaction, that hands-on interaction, because you are going to be building on that,” she said. “When you’re in school, you’re writing — you need to be writing.”

Most critical grades

Cokley said kindergarten through first grade are the most important years to maintain learning over the summer.

“That’s when it’s critical,” she said. “You’re learning how to do your phonics, your words, sounds, your letter names — you’re learning all of that.”