Showing results for:"Summer slide"
The Opportunity GapStopping “summer slide”
Summer vacation is a nice long break from the classroom for kids with learning differences. But if kids press pause on learning altogether, they may experience the summer slide. Many kids with learning challenges love summer vacation and their parents do, too. Its a nice long break from studying,
The Opportunity GapHow to make summer learning fun
Summer break can be a great time to learn new skills and prevent the summer slide. Learn how. Summer break can be a great time to learn new skills. And to keep old ones from getting rusty. But how so? In this episode, Julian shares how to prevent the summer slide. And gives tips on how to create

Summer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong
Lots of kids love summer vacation because they dont have to worry about schoolwork. And thats a good thing. When kids go back to school relaxed and well rested, theyre better equipped to learn. But lots of families worry about their kids losing important skills over summer break. Some people call th
The Opportunity GapWhat is a “good summer” for kids with learning disabilities?
What makes a good summer for kids with learning differences? Learn ways to help your child stay engaged, build confidence, and still have fun. For kids with learning disabilities, summer break doesnt need to be all about learning or just about fun. A healthy summer includes a mix of both. In this e

Why you shouldn’t stress out about the “summer slide”
Summer is rushing to an end and the new school year is looming on the horizon. In my experience, this is when parents begin to panic about the academic skills their kids may have lost during the break. And despite best intentions, you may not have gotten to all those learning activities youd planne
In ItSummer reading reimagined: How to help all kids enjoy reading
Summer is a great time for kids to fall in love with reading. How can we make summer reading fun for all kids even those who dont think of themselves as readers? Summer is a great time for kids to fall in love with reading. How can we make summer reading fun for all kids even those who dont think
In ItSummer reads that embrace difference and disability
In this bonus episode, Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra share summer reading recommendations and tips to encourage kids to read. In this bonus episode, Rachel Bozek, Gretchen Vierstra, and a few of their Understood colleagues share summer reading recommendations. Learn about books that embrace
In ItSummertime and friendship
The hosts talk with an expert about helping kids maintain friendships and social skills when school is out. Breaks from school can sometimes mean breaks from other kids. This can be hard for kids with learning and thinking differences. What are some ways to avoid summer slide when it comes to so

Should my child work on school skills over the summer or take a break?
Q. My child has reading and math challenges, and shes worked really hard this year to make progress in these areas. Is it important for her to keep working on these skills over the summer? Or is it better if she has a real break? A. I understand why parents want their kids to take a break and rechar
In ItSummer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive
Summer break. Some families love it. Others dread it. No matter how you feel about summer, weve got hacks to help your family thrive. Summer break. Some families love it. Others dread it. No matter how you feel about summer, weve got hacks to help your family thrive. In this episode, hosts Gretche

Summer camp was an “oasis” from my troubles at school
I celebrated my 4th birthday at sleepaway camp. While this may sound like the result of questionable parenting, there were valid reasons behind my parents decision to send me that young. My father was a busy physician who could not leave New York City over the summer. My mother worked with him at hi

7 fun summer books for reluctant readers in grades 6–8
The best summer books are entertaining but not overwhelming. Encourage your tweens and teens to read more with these approachable titles. Some are classic, some are new. But all of these books are fresh and fun. Batman Science: The Real-World Science Behind Batmans Gear, by Tammy Enz and Agnieszka
The Opportunity GapUnderstanding preschool services
Learn about preschool services. And how they can help to support a childs development. Early intervention refers to services that help kids from birth to age three with developmental delays. But what services are available after kids turn 3? The answer: preschool services. In this episode, we welc

Summer learning programs for kids who learn and think differently
- Many districts are trying to make summer school more fun and engaging. - Some kids may be eligible for special education services during the summer. - Summer learning options can range from free programs at public schools or libraries to pricey specialized camps. Even when school is out for

6 summer learning apps and games for tweens and teens
Apps and games can be fun ways to help your middle-schooler or high-schooler keep learning over the summer. Here are six for you to consider. Price and availability may vary but were accurate at the time of publication, on May 24, 2021. Pixton With the right tools, summer can be a great time for get
In ItAn expert’s guide to summer screen time
Get tips and strategies for managing screen time when kids are off from school. Breaks from school are prime time for screen time. But how much screen time is too much? And what can we do about it? Is screen time ever a good thing? In this episode of In It, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk

The best way to ease the back-to-school transition
Getting kids ready to go back to school is not always an easy task. And when you think about it, why would it be? Back-to-school transitions can be really tough for kids. Starting a new school year can be scary. But the key is to help make this transition smooth and gentle. If youre not feeling pre

11 summer safety tips for kids with ADHD
Summer creates more safety risks for kids with ADHD. These tips can help you protect your child without spoiling the fun.
In ItWhy summer camp has lasting benefits for neurodivergent kids
Summer camp is a tradition for many kids. But does summer camp work for kids who learn differently? Summer camp has become a tradition for many kids. But does summer camp work for kids who learn differently? How do you find the right camp that can support your childs needs? Will your child make f

Summer reading bingo board
Have a reading party with family or friends. 2024 Understood for All, Inc. Summer reading bingo board For more information, go to understood.org Free Space Read to a pet or stuffed animal. Read a book that a friend recommended. Read outside. Read an award- winning book. Read wi

7 fun summer books for reluctant readers in grades 9–12
Encourage your teenager to read with this list of fun summer books.

Download: Summer reading logs
Reading logs are a simple way to manage summer reading assignments — for you and your child. Use these free downloads to help your child stay on track, see progress, and stay motivated.
Download: Summer camp toolkit for kids who learn and think differently
Summer camp can be a great experience for kids who learn and think differently. Camp can help kids develop social skills, build relationships, and gain independence. If youre able to send your child to camp, use this toolkit to communicate with the camp and help your child prepare. Use the Get to kn

Summer program options for high-schoolers
- Summer programs can help teens build skills and explore interests. - There may be free or low-cost summer options in your area. - Some programs can help prepare teens for college or work. Summer is a great time for teens to build skills and explore interests. Structured programs can help high

5 smart summer routines for kids with ADHD
- Schedules and routines tend to become more relaxed during the summer. - Kids with ADHD benefit from structure. - Routines can be carried over to summer without sacrificing fun. The routines of the school year often fall by the wayside during the summer. In some ways, thats a good thing. Kids

My parents’ biggest back-to-school regret (and how they made up for it)
At the end of each summer of my childhood, Id get an aching feeling in the pit of my stomach. It was time to go back to school. Because of my learning differences, I have trouble with writing, organization and processing information. School was like trying to swim in quicksand. I struggled so much i

9 fun summer books for reluctant readers in grades 3–5
These books all have clever plots and great characters. See if one (or more) will spark your child’s interest.

7 ways to encourage your child to read over the summer
Reading over the summer lets kids practice their skills and learn about new topics. Download a summer reading bingo board to encourage your child to read. Plus, get other tips to motivate reluctant readers.

5 things not to say to your child about going back to school
You want to help your child who learns and thinks differently make the transition from summer to school. But you have to be careful not to send messages about going back to school that may hurt more than help. Here are some things to avoid saying and what might work better. 1. Youll meet lots of new
Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn: Your Guide to Getting Through the Hard StuffHow to plan ahead for a successful summer
Its important for parents to start early when planning for summer camps and programs. Even if summer seems far in the future, its probably not too early to begin planning for what your child will do during their break from school. Once you find a program that looks interesting, then comes the res