School’s out for summer — and that might be a problem for early childhood learning development. That’s because summer vacations break patterns of learning instruction and potentially cause ‘learning loss.’ This revelation is a particular concern for parents of young language learners, who might forget basic skills by the time they return to preschool in the fall.
What’s the solution?
Year-round preschool lets kids improve language learning skills throughout the summer months without sacrificing the social benefits of the summer vacation, such as spending time with friends in the sun.
Prevent Learning Loss
Summer learning loss happens to children of all ages — a phenomenon called the “summer slide.” Research shows students’ achievement scores decline over the summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning. In a language acquisition context, learning loss might occur in the summer because memory and language learning are closely connected.
“Some call it ‘summer learning loss,’ others call it the ‘summer slide,'” says Parenting Science. “Either way, the idea is the same: Without regular practice, new skills, and knowledge fade. So many school kids experience reversals over the extended summer break.”
In a year-round preschool, children can nurture their language skills during the summer months in an informal environment among friends. Children receive both academic and socialization benefits, with lots of outdoor play and other fun activities.
A Safe Space for Parents to Send Their Children
Not everyone gets an extended vacation during the summer. Most parents continue to work through the season, unable to spend as much time with their children as they would like. With escalating childcare costs and many summer camps postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, enrolling your child in a year-round preschool might make financial sense. This safe space lets your child learn a second language like Spanish while you work, and it could work out cheaper than you think.
Eliminate Boredom
The prospect of a two-month vacation might excite your little ones at first, but young children often get bored after a while. That’s because kids miss their friends or struggle to adapt to the at-home routine. Enrolling your child in a year-round language acquisition preschool could eliminate some of this boredom. Learning a second language stimulates the brain, while outdoor play encourages children to develop new social relationships. It’s the best of both worlds.
Enroll in a Year Round Preschool
Enrolling your child in a year-round preschool has academic and socialization benefits, especially if your child learns a new language like Spanish. You can prevent learning loss, eliminate boredom, and keep your child in a safe space while you work. With summer just around the corner, consider a language immersion preschool that benefits your child’s social and learning development.
KSS Immersion Preschools is a year-round Spanish language immersion program for children aged 2-6 in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can enroll your child in a program in time for summer! Learn more here.
