Summer learning loss, often referred to as the “summer slide,” is a well-documented phenomenon where youth lose academic skills over the summer break. Research suggests that students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills during the summer months. This loss not only puts them behind when they return to school in the fall but can also contribute to long-term achievement gaps. However, engaging in educational activities, such as reading, math games, and hands-on projects, can help prevent summer learning loss and even lead to academic gains. It’s why Boys & Girls Clubs play such a VITAL role in communities, and why we develop programs like Summer Brain Gain.
Math especially lends itself well to being gamified, making skill-practice so fun that sometimes youth forget they are doing math at all! Here are a roundup of math games you can integrate as high-yield activities into your program schedules this summer, plus some throwback ClubX Blog posts with more ideas. (There’s an EPIC amount of content on this blog!!!)
Trashketball requires a bit of prep (and a lot of paper), but with age appropriate worksheets, could work for a wide range of ages.
Ok the font on this blog is terrible but if you can get past that, this would be a fun game. You’d need the nerf hoop unless you could do this in a gym with a mobile whiteboard, or maybe chart paper? And some age-appropriate questions ready.
I always say “I try to stay away from sharing ideas that cost money” and then there’s always at least one idea that costs money lol. BUT this Guess Who set of templates is super fun, and could be replicated if you want to put the time into it.
Math practice isn’t only for the Education Room/Learning Center! If you have an outdoor space or with some modifications (the instructions use a lot of chalk to mark spots) a Gym, these activities are simple.
For youth in K-2nd grade, this Hundreds Chart Battleship game can help with number fluency.
I love how simple this is, and you could use pieces of paper instead of dry erase boards if you don’t have them, and could do multiplication for older youth.
Find more ideas using supplies you probably already have at your Club in these ClubX Blog posts!
What are your favorite Math skill-building activities? How does your Club support summer learning? Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email us at ClubXBlog@bgca.org to share!
Leave a Reply