What’s Right With Our Schools: Stopping Brain Drain

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  With summer right around the corner, many parents are looking for ways to keep their kids busy—and learning.

Experts say the “summer slide,” or brain drain, is real—and it can set students back months.

But there are simple ways to keep young minds sharp.

“It is super important to get ahead of it early and consistently. Don’t you have something have a plan for every summer? It doesn’t have to be the same activity every summer, but you know just having ideas as a parent, you know, what portion of my kids do I want to fill with activity here at your home, away from home, summer camp versus just something at school or with their friends. Having a plan around that is  important,” said Edward Kim, Vice President of Education & Training at Code Ninjas.

To avoid the slide, experts suggest blending fun with learning—like using apps, visiting museums, or joining summer reading challenges.

“Small activities that keep the student fit physically or engaging with someone emotionally and socially, or you know, mentally to sit in a math class necessarily, but, you know, doing your summer homework on time and a specific time would be helpful.  Going to the library once a week to pick up a book to read, that’s going be helpful. So, it’s just being active, right? Don’t let, you know, your kid sit at home watch the TV or YouTube or their phone the whole summer,” concluded Kim.