A study from the National Center for Summer Learning has shown that students without summer-learning programs can lose about two months of grade level in math and reading skills during the summer.
So its really important that we continue with great instruction throughout the summer outside of the traditional school setting.
Learning can be fun, in school and out of school. There are lots of opportunities across our state where, at little or no cost, families and students can have fun and learn this summer. We want to be sure that all of our children are involved in fun and productive activities so that they can retain what theyve learned and can continue to grow during the summer months.
Childrens minds are always open for learning activities. Children can learn from counselors, mentors, and of course from parents as well through family activities and at many of the high-quality programs that are available across the state.
Summer learning can take place in organized camps and other programs, such as those programs from the Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, or the many community recreation programs.
Summer learning can also be something you undertake as a family, through such activities as a trip to the zoo or to a museum (such as the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Natural History Museum, or the RISD Museum of Art), a visit to a park or nature preserve, a day at a historic site such as the Newport Mansions, or a day on the bay, perhaps with a community-boating center or at Save the Bay.
Of course its also very important for children to read during the summer. If theres one single thing families can do this summer, its read. Talk with your children about what youre reading and what theyre reading. Take your kids to the local library, where the childrens or teens librarian can guide them to books that match their interests and passions.
There are so many things that families can do to celebrate the joy of learning and to make sure childrens skills are continually being built. I encourage every parent and caregiver to be a great model for children. Show your love of learning, and encourage kids to learn, too, all year round. I hope all Rhode Islanders have a wonderful summer of learning and fun!
Here are links to some websites that will give you more ideas about opportunities for learning this summer:
The Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance
www.afterschoolri.org.
The Providence After School Alliance
www.mypasa.org.
YMCA of Greater Providence
www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org
Boys & Girls Clubs in Rhode Island:
Providence: http://www.bgcprov.org/
East Providence: http://www.epbgc.org
Warwick: http://wbgclubs.org
Newport County: http://www.bgcnewport.org
Pawtucket: http://www.bgcpawt.org
Cumberland-Lincoln: http://www.bgccl.org
Summer Food Service sites in Rhode Island (open to all children)
http://www.esnacs.ride.ri.gov/esnacs/aspx/Documents_Manager/SFSP Sponsor Listing 2010_804.pdf
100 Things to Do with Your Kids in Rhode Island
http://kidoinfo.com/ri/100-things-to-do-with-your-kids-in-rhode-island/
The Pawtucket Summer Program
http://www.pawtucketri.com/documents/parks/10Summer_bk.pdf
Farms and Farm Stands in Rhode Island
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/agricult/consumers.htm
United We Serve: Volunteer Opportunities
http://serve.gov/lrlm.asp