STAIR Supports Summer Brain Gain

Hundreds of years of educational research have proven that kids need to stay engaged in some kind of learning over the summer. Long school breaks can be detrimental to the learning process, with some students losing as much as two month's worth of grade-level proficiency in core subjects. That's a lot!

"Summer brain gain" is aimed at providing children with educational opportunities throughout the summer months. Things like STEM and STEAM camps, school-sponsored programs, museum and library outreach, and outdoor educational programs all help kids stay engaged in the learning process while having fun and enjoying a well-deserved break from traditional schooling.

Programs like STAIR helps support brain gain by providing students with books and activities to help keep their literacy skills sharp over the summer. We've sent hundreds of books to STAIR students and given away hundreds more at our STAIR Book Fairs. We're also providing gifts of new books to other organizations like Reading Camp Maryland who are working hard to keep young readers engaged this summer. Our Little Free Libraries restock initiative ensures that readers of all ages have easy access to books close to home.

If your summer adventures have you sticking close to home, there's plenty you can do to support brain gain, combat summer skill loss, and have fun learning together!

1. Give screens a break. Screen time has its place on long, lazy summer days, but simple creative play is an excellent way to get kids to imagine, think, plan, cooperate, and learn.

2. Make an "I'm Bored" jar. Have kids brainstorm fun activities, day trips, or other summer treats and write them down on slips of paper. Any time you hear that dreaded "I'm bored!" pull a paper out of the jar.

3. Get outside. Anne Arundel County is home to beautiful parks, walking and biking trails, beaches, and outdoor spaces. Pick a new one each week and explore!

4. Go to the library! Visiting the library is one of the simplest ways to support summer brain gain. There's so much to discover at your local Anne Arundel County Public Library branch. Don't forget to register for the Summer @ Your Library challenge!

5. Find a pen pal. Writing practice becomes less of a chore when kids have a friend to share their summer adventures with. Family members and friends near or far make wonderful pen pals who would love to send and receive drawings, postcards, and letters.

What are some ways your family is learning together this summer? Tell us in the comments or join the conversation on Facebook!