Museums, nature hikes, summer recreation camp, working with dad and day trips visiting family members..those were my summers as a young adolescent. I don't have fond memories of completing summer reading assignments or completing practice tests to prep me for the upcoming school year. My summer was about one thing: experience. 

Over the summer months, it's important that all learners keep the skills they learned during the school year fresh in their minds for the upcoming school year. While practicing academic skills helps students retain school related skills, reading (books they enjoy), exploring new places and trying new activities during the summer months promote growth, curiosity and build crucial background knowledge that students can't always access at school. 

According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), we can help our students retain skills, foster intellectual endeavors, and enhance curiosity through enjoyable family activities and that expanding our knowledge base and skills repertoire actually enhances our enjoyment of life and fosters competence and self esteem.

To read more tips from the International Dyslexia Association click here