Summer is on the horizon for students in Texoma. While they’re excited to push open those school doors and take a break, education experts say they need to keep up learning activities throughout the summer.
“Regardless of what it is that you’re doing, if you go a long time without using a muscle or using some part of your body then it’s not going to work as well,” Susan Cooper, head of youth services at the Wichita Falls Public Library said.
To avoid summer learning loss, Kathy Stearns, director at Sylvan Learning Center said to spend about 15 to 30 minutes a day doing brain stimulating activities.
“Play fun activities that include the family. Go to the library. Go to a museum. Just do some fun things but keep them active,” Stearns said.
Betsy Berre took her children to the Wichita Falls Public Library Friday and plans to keep her kids reading throughout the summer break.
“We spend time in our rooms, all of us, me included, having reading time. Usually, it’s in the heat of the day when it’s too hot to get outside and everybody’s tired,” Berre said.
Some screen time may even be called for.
“I know a lot of parents are against video games, but not all video games are bad. If they’re having to use logic and problem solving and work through puzzles then that can also have some value,” Cooper said.
The Wichita Falls Public Library hosts a Summer Reading Program. Children read and win prizes. There will be random drawings throughout the summer and a grand prize as summer comes to a close. All programs offered through the public library are free.
Sylvan Learning Center also hosts reading, writing and math programs throughout the summer. There is also a list of summer camps that include robotics, coding, and engineering. For more information about those camps, head to the Sylvan Learning Center website.
– Newschannel 6
