Six Tips for Responding to COVID-19 Learning Loss This Summer and Beyond

When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shut down schools, educational programs across the world were uncertain about the future of learning for their students. Many school districts here in the U.S. migrated to distance/virtual learning and had to find creative ways to support their students. The economic consequences and the trauma of recent events continue to impact many students and their families.

Communities In Schools® (CIS™) will do whatever it takes to help students reengage in learning, recover from the emotional trauma of the last several months, as well as reimagine their learning environments so they’re safe, effective, and equitable. Through the Summer and into the school year, CIS will continue to connect students with community resources like food, housing support, health care, materials to help them to continue their learning, and emotional support. CIS will continue to be a constant presence in the lives of our students and their families.

The summer months are often filled with outdoor educational opportunities, memories of new friends who come on summer trips, new skills in sports clubs, and new family holiday experiences. But this summer, many students and their families found themselves at home wondering about the upcoming school year. CIS understands that during these uncertain times, many low-income families and working parents are looking for affordable alternatives to ensure that learning loss is prevented.

What can caring adults do to support students through the summer into the unusual back-to-school season? Here are 6 ways to reduce COVID-19 learning loss and to supplement virtual learning as kids prepare for a school year either in the classroom or virtually:

1. Create a Reading Challenge - The reading challenge can be done with family or friends in a virtual setting. Family and friends can share their monthly book reading goals and discuss about the books they are reading. Parents can reward children on their progress which may also stimulate the children to be eager to read more books.

2. Explore Educational Videos­ – The summer lessons can be inspired by documentaries, educational images, or movies of history.

3. Beat Boredom with Board Games ­­– Family classics and famous new games are an excellent way for children to combat boredom and to use their criticism skills. Some suggestions are: Clue and Pictionary.

4. Find Fun Ways to Use Math ­– Mathematics is everywhere. A game called the mathematics plate allows players to believe that they are spies who crack codes to turn letters into numbers. That is just one of many ways to get home math when you move forward. Forecasts are also given; gas prices are measured, and distances are estimated on the maps. Also, you can use math while grocery shopping, or any other kind of shopping. Make your trip fun and educational by drawing on math learning. Grocery stores offer great opportunities, among other things, to practice estimating costs, creating, and sticking to the budget and using the scale to weigh produce. You can help your kids find the fun by showing them the usefulness of math. Play mathematical games. Be creative and think outside the box.

5. Enroll in Educational Programs­ – Many schools offer online (virtual learning) lessons. Review school assignments and help your child set a reasonable pace to complete the work. You may also need to help your child turn on devices, read instructions, and type answers.

6. Download Academic Apps – There are plenty of academic apps available for children. These educational applications allow children to learn everywhere.