How pupils’ brains take a break too

AS the dreary weather makes it even harder to entertain children during the long summer holiday, many parents may already be looking forward to sending their little darlings back to school. But they could have sound academic reasons for wanting to cut the break short.

Many pupils are away from school for so long that they begin to forget what they have learned, a survey has found.

Almost three-quarters of parents surveyed in Scotland say children’s academic abilities begin to slip over the summer and more than half would like a shorter break to keep learning at a constant standard throughout the year.

The survey, by tuition firm Explore Learning, found that the majority of summer-time pursuits were less than educational. More than two-thirds of parents said their children watched television, while three out of five said they played on a computer.

Charlotte Gater, curriculum manager at the firm, which provides maths and English tuition, said: ‘The summer is a time for fun and relaxation but this research has shown that many children’s academic abilities drop over the break, therefore undermining all the hard work they, and their teachers, have done over the year.

‘While it can seem a little daunting at first, it’s very important for parents to actively encourage their children to keep learning to avoid the negative impact it can have on their return to school.

‘It doesn’t need to lead to arguments; learning can be done in a fun, effective way – through games, technology, extra tuition and interaction with their friends and the outside world – which all combine to keep their educational engagement ticking along over the break.’

Abi Ogedengbe, from Aberdeen, who has a daughter Simi, 11, and sons Philip, eight and six-year-old Timothy, agreed with the findings.

She said: ‘The summer break can be a tough time on children’s learning but it’s so important for parents to encourage them to keep their brains active so they don’t slip.

‘We always make sure the children get at least a two-week break where we go away, but for the rest of the time it’s up to us, as parents, to inspire them, engaging their brains on a daily basis.

‘It’s up to parents to guide their children and it can be tricky over the summer break.’

The biggest challenges faced on the return to school, the survey found, are the early-morning starts, followed by getting into a routine, getting used to a new teacher and having to cope with homework again.

The research found that the long summer break damages the learning of those in the 11-14 age group the most, with 22 per cent saying that it affects them significantly, while those aged four to six are most excited about going back to school.

‘Keep their brains active’