It’s called the “summer slide” – the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

Lake Worth West Community Center is offering summer reading and other educational programs to children and their families so they can continue practicing essential reading skills learned during the school year.

The summer slide is a very real phenomenon. Research shows that most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months, according to National Summer Learning Association. In addition, low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement.

Surveys of teachers also found that summer learning loss could be reduced, even eliminated, if students participated in a summer learning program.

As a result, Lake Worth West Community Center is providing a summer reading program starting June 13 through August 3.

The eight-week classes for children from first grade to third grade go from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. The summer reading program for mothers is from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Wednesdays.

These classes provide tips and strategies to support and encourage children to achieve their reading goals. Books and incentives will be given to all participants, too. Also, teachers, librarians and school teen coordinators will discuss topics of interest to children and their parents.

In addition, during the summer months, the center will offer the “Raise Me Up” class which encourages interaction between parents and their children. Instructors will teach parents about communication, fine and gross motor skills, building social skills, and much more. They will also go over site words for children to learn and discuss the importance of regular school attendance.

During this time, parents will be able to do ASQ-3 Screening for their children to identify early development or behavioral problems in children who are 2 months to 5 years old.

So this summer, it’s fine for kids to be carefree and be happy just being kids. But it’s also vital to access educational opportunities.

Call the Lake Worth West Community Center at 561-649-9600 to learn more about our summer reading program.