No sooner are we back from vacation than some critics are saying we should end the summer breaks to avoid a slide in learning. Their arguments ignore the benefits of summer vacations: enrichment, unstructured play and family time for kids – and rejuvenation for teachers. A Colorado teacher writing in Salon comes up with an interesting solution: Make summer count for students by improving the experience, not eliminating it, he writes. Enhance it with programs and activities, especially for low-achieving students whose parents can’t afford summer camp.
What do you think? How important is summer to you and your students? And are changes needed to ensure it benefits all children or to build on learning that takes place during the school year?