How to Avoid the "Summertime Slump" | Black and Married With ...

We still have a few more weeks left in the Summer. Some more than others, depending on your where you live. It brings me so much joy to know that my kids have had a fantastic Summer in the South ? playing with their cousins, meeting new friends and even acquiring a bit of a Southern accent (too cute). What they?ve also acquired is preparation of their next year?s school work and constant review of last year?s work as well. We do this to keep them out of the ?Summertime Slump? that so many school-age children get into because us as parents, much like our children, are so happy when the school year ends! Whew!

According to one of my favorite authors, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, there is a 3 year gap between blacks and other students. Many people love to believe it?s due to income, fatherlessness, educational attainment of the parent and lack of parental involvement. He believes that a major reason for the gap between our brown children and their counterparts, is that we continue to close school for the Summer. He broke it down like this: If you multiply 3 months (that they?re out for Summer) by 12 years (of formal education) you will see the 3 year gap and our babies are behind their peers. The same ones that will be competing for that same scholarship one day. Astonishing!

Unfortunately (according to my children), they have school in our home, year round. We use Kumon to supplement their education with hopes that they will get and remain ahead of the curve for their grade. Yes, even in the Summer. Even more so because they are not in school everyday. We?re also hopeful that this creates great ?educational hygiene? and they become lovers of learning! Although, right now, they are not enjoying the Summer Reading List, nor the worksheets, nor the on-line quizzes. But, as my parents told me when I was younger ? They will thank us later.

The way that Dr. Kunjufu explains this to us, alarms me because our babies are just as smart and just as qualified. They deserve any extra time that we can give them to take them to the library, the museum, the local science center, or to visit a college campus. Its never too early for them to walk through the campuses and absorb the sights and sounds of these institutions of higher learning. All of the things mentioned are either FREE or heavily discounted. After all, our children?s futures are priceless, aren?t they?

BMWK, do you use learning aides in the summer with your children? What are your favorites tools to continue learning during the break?

About the author

Sheree is a Christian, wife, WAHM of three, nurse, blogger and speaker, who is forever drawn to all things health-related. You can find her blogging about marriage, family, health tips and more as Smart & Sassy Mom. Sheree is committed to helping blended families and keeping marriages strong, healthy, fun and SPICY!

Source: http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2012/07/how-to-avoid-the-summertime-slump/

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