Research-backed evidence shows that summer learning increases opportunities for students who need help to be successful in school while supporting parents and increasing the range of strategies employed by teachers. In this series of videos, Summer Learning Program leads and educators talk about their first-hand encounters with the impact and influence of summer learning on young learners, families, communities – and on themselves.
With some young learners showing a lag or “learning slide” in literacy and numeracy when they return to the classroom in the fall, Summer Learning Programs help prepare these students for the regular school year in an active and healthy environment. We asked educators to talk about the positive impact and influence of summer learning on their students –including those from newcomer families to Canada.
Featuring Michelle Newlands, Principal in Halton District School Board; Clara Howitt, Superintendent of Education for Greater Essex County DSB; Heather Brown, Program Coordinator with Grand Erie DSB; Chris Knight, Teacher Consultant with Greater Essex County DSB; Maria Esposito, Superintendent of Education for Huron-Superior CDSB; Ken Overeem, Principal with Thames Valley DSB; and Jeffery Robinson, Learning Coordinator – ESL/ELD K-8 for Thames Valley DSB.
Why do so many teachers return enthusiastically to Summer Learning each year? As this video explains, SLP teachers get to see their students in a very different light and return to the regular school year with new perspectives and feelings of pride and accomplishment from “moving our literacy and numeracy students along so well.”
Featuring Adrienne Jacques, System Vice-Principal with Avon Maitland DSB; Chris Knight, Teacher Consultant with Greater Essex County DSB; Heather Brown, Program Coordinator with Grand Erie DSB; Jeffery Robinson, Learning Coordinator – ESL/ELD K-8 for Thames Valley DSB; Maria Esposito, Superintendent of Education for Huron-Superior CDSB; and Donica LeBlanc, Early Years Lead for Lakehead District School Board.
“(Summer Learning) Families are involved right from the start,” notes a Superintendent of Education in this video. SLPs provide free academic instruction, often in an easily-accessible location, with a special focus on engaging parents in their child’s learning. As one summer learning Principal puts it, “parents now feel so much more comfortable to come into the school and have conversations around” their child’s learning.
Featuring Maria Esposito, Superintendent of Education for Huron-Superior CDSB; Michelle Newlands, Principal in Halton District School Board; Ken Overeem, Principal with Thames Valley DSB; Heather Brown, Program Coordinator with Grand Erie DSB; and Clara Howitt, Superintendent of Education for Greater Essex County DSB.
Summer Learning places a special emphasis on connecting programs with the communities they are situated in. Nearby colleges, universities, businesses, conservation areas, Indigenous community leaders and more can all play a role in enriching the summer learning experience.
With Chris Knight, Teacher Consultant with Greater Essex County DSB; Clara Howitt, Superintendent of Education for Greater Essex County DSB; Donica LeBlanc, Early Years Lead for Lakehead District School Board; Heather Brown, Program Coordinator with Grand Erie DSB; and Michelle Newlands, Principal in Halton District School Board;
