Summer break is typically viewed as a time for relaxation, fun, and no schedules. However, considering the dramatic change in our lives over the past year and seeing communities begin opening back up in a full capacity now, this summer would be the perfect time to get children back on track. As unfortunate as it is, the reality is that most children’s development has been stifled in one, if not all, areas. Cognitive performance has been significantly affected since schools have had limited options for learning, and for some children, these choices are not as conducive to learning. To counteract this, we must engage children in a program that fosters brain development and learning.

    As most parents have witnessed over the past year, the COVID slide is a real thing. Children’s cognitive performance has decreased dramatically, and the learning loss that has been associated with this has left everyone feeling the pressure to regain momentum. And while parents and teachers have attempted to implement methods that boost learning, the drastic change from a “normal” school experience has led to extreme detriments in our children’s education. Many experts believe that children, on average, have lost around three months of learning progress over the past year. To some, however, this may not seem like a lot. But when we understand how rapidly children’s brains grow and how all experiences are significant to their development, this length of time can be detrimental.

     Now, as progress continues to be made towards loosening up on restrictions, it’s time to get children’s brains rebooted and turn their brain “strains” into “brain gains.” There are a host of tutoring programs that can help children catch up to where they should be academically. However, most of these programs don’t incorporate any motivation or fun. And since we know that children’s motivation is at an all-time low due to the trauma they’ve experienced this past year, it’s best to engage them in a program that not only benefits them cognitively but also increases their motivation while they have fun.