Parents Urged to Combat Learning Loss During Holiday Break

As the holiday break begins, families often relish the chance to unwind from busy schedules. Yet, education experts warn that this extended time away from school can lead to significant learning loss, commonly referred to as the “learning slide.” Research published in the American Education Research Journal indicates that students can lose up to 40 percent of their academic gains during summer breaks over a five-year period.

Dwayne Matthews, an education strategist, shared insights on CTV’s Your Morning about how families can mitigate this phenomenon. Fortunately, he asserts that preventing learning loss doesn’t necessarily require formal homework or worksheets; instead, it can be achieved through simple, intentional daily habits.

Encouraging Reading and Shared Learning

One of the easiest ways for families to support younger children’s literacy is by reading together regularly. Matthews emphasizes the importance of modeling this behavior, noting that creating a cozy reading routine can make learning enjoyable rather than forced. He suggests dedicating 20 to 30 minutes each evening to quiet reading, often accompanied by soft jazz music.

In addition to reading, Matthews advocates for the Richard Feynman technique, where children teach what they know to others. He recounted an example of his daughter guiding him through drawing cartoons, illustrating how teaching reinforces a child’s understanding of concepts. “We spend a lot of time talking at kids, and to have them say ‘I have something that’s really important that you need to learn’ is a great way to boost self-efficacy,” he explained.

Managing Screen Time and Encouraging New Skills

For older children and teenagers, Matthews acknowledged the challenges posed by increased screen time during the holidays. To counter this, he implements a phone-free zone during family gatherings, promoting engagement through board games, conversations, and problem-solving activities. “Slowly but surely, they go through that uncomfortable feeling of maybe speaking to someone else. This has been a radical and very welcomed activity in our house,” he shared.

Moreover, Matthews encourages teens to dedicate around one hour each day to learning something new, which doesn’t have to be school-related. He illustrated this with examples from his family, mentioning that his son is currently focused on cooking, while he himself is exploring quantum computing. He emphasizes that adults should also model this behavior by pursuing new skills or interests, which can greatly benefit long-term learning.

“Imagine five years, ten years, fifteen years, if you continue to do this, how much you would learn,” Matthews concluded. By fostering a culture of learning at home, families can effectively combat the learning slide and cultivate a lifelong love for education during the holiday season and beyond.