National Summer Learning Week July 8 - 13, 2019

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Why National Summer Learning Week?

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has transformed their annual national awareness day for summer

learning into a week-long celebration through six unique theme days!

Summer Learning Week is an annual national advocacy week led by the NSLA to highlight the importance of keeping kids

learning, safe, and healthy every summer. Programs, educators, policymakers, businesses, schools and families can all

make this summer a season of learning by being a part of Summer Learning Week.

Did you know that the “summer slide” is a key culprit in inequitable educational opportunities? It accounts for as much

as two-thirds of the reading achievement deficits among 9th graders. Summer programs help fight this summer slide.

Don’t let our kids lose out! Keep them learning, safe and healthy this summer by being a part of National Summer

Learning Week!

What is included in this toolkit?

1. Summer Learning Week Themes 2019

2. Summer Learning Programs: Vital for Illinois Youth

3. Advocacy Tools

4. Social Media Posts

5. Summer Programming Resources

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has transformed their annual national awareness day for summer

learning into a week-long celebration through six unique theme days!

Host an event and find resources from NSLA for communities and families.

Already hosting an event? Register and spread the word!

1. Summer Learning Week Themes 2019

Kick-Off Day (Monday, July 8)

o Share Your Summer Learning Story

o What inspires you about summer? Everyone has a summer story to share. Whether it’s a memory

from your own childhood, progress in your community around summer learning, or an amazing

moment from your summer program, we want to know!

Discovery Day (Tuesday, July 9)

o Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

o It’s been fifty years since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first landed on the moon. NASA now tells

us the “Next Giant Leap” is Mars. Turn science-fiction into reality, through exploration in STEM

(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and open up possibilities for all young people

to soar this summer.

Masterpiece Day (Wednesday, July 10)

o Arts & Crafts

o Research confirms that the arts prepare students for school, life, and work. Summer is a blank

canvas for creativity and self-expression through music, literature, dance, theater, visual arts, and

so much more. Spark the imagination and a muse that delights the spirit of child.

Future Leaders Day (Thursday, July 11)

o Career & College Readiness

o Ready, Set, Succeed! Support a student in charting their course for success during and beyond high

school. A summer job, internship, mentorship, or plan to pursue higher education sets our future

leaders on a path to change the world.

Bookworm Day (Friday, July 12)

o Literacy

o Summer learning loss during elementary school accounts for two-thirds of the achievement gap in

reading between low-income children and their middle-income peers by ninth grade. Let

imaginations run wild in books this summer. Under a tree, in makeshift tent, or at the local library,

dive into a literary adventure!

Winning at Wellness Day (Saturday, July 13)

o Nutrition & Wellness

o Healthy bodies and healthy minds go hand-in-hand in stemming summer learning loss. Summer is

the perfect time to get on our feet and get moving. It’s also an opportunity to savor the flavors of

seasonal fruits and vegetables to avoid summer weight. And because hunger takes no vacation, be

sure to check out free summer meal programs.

2. Summer Learning Programs: Vital for Illinois Youth

37% of families in Illinois report at least one child in a summer learning program, but 52% of families say they want

their children enrolled in a summer learning program. An investment in summer programs improves educational

outcomes during the school year, helps improve the health of youth, and keeps youth safe and from choosing to involve

themselves in crime.

Education

Children lose about two months of grade level equivalency in math skills over the summer months.

Re-teaching forgotten material when students return to school after the summer costs more than

$1,500 per student each year, or more than $18,000 over the course of a K–12 career.

Research shows that summer learning programs are effective in reducing summer learning loss

and improving reading achievement. Non-academic experiences during the summer can also

support success during the school year, including higher grades and test scores.

Health and Nutrition

Six out of every seven students who receive free and reduced price lunches lose access to them

when school lets out. Over 21% of children in Illinois are at risk of hunger.

Summer programs help fill the gap in access to meals by offering free and reduced price meals

under federal programs. 86% of afterschool and summer programs serve either breakfast, lunch,

supper, or a snack to the youth in their programs during the summer months.

Inactivity and poor quality meals can be the norm in the summer for children who do not have

access to healthy meals, snacks, and summer programs that incorporate physical activity into the

program day. The rate of weight gain for youth accelerates during the summer compared with the

school year, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and youth from low-income families.

In Illinois, 19.3% of youth ages 10 to 17 are obese. Children who attend summer programs are at a

lower risk for obesity than children than those that do not.

Safety

Crime rates often increase in the summer. Chicago sees an 18% increase in crime overall in the

summer and a 15% increase in violent crime. The Rockford Police Department reports an 20%

increase in crime overall in the summer and a 32% increase in violent crime.

Children in low-income, urban areas are often kept indoors during the summer months for their

safety, leading to learning loss and inactivity. The increase in crime also increases high risk

situations in which youth might involve themselves in criminal activities.

Summer programs provide safe environments for children to engage in enriching learning

experiences and participate in physical activities.

One study in Chicago found that youth summer employment programs decreased violence by 43%

over 16 months and projected that other similar constructive and structured programs could have

similar affects.

3. Advocacy Tools

Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections District/Official Search page to find your elected official.

You can also find additional information by searching for a legislator’s website online.

Personal letters/email to elected officials

The time-tested method of sending a written communication to your legislator remains one of the most effective ways

to deliver your message to senators and representatives.

Well written letters from constituents are:

Targeted. Letters should be addressed to the appropriate legislators in the district where you live,

and where your organization is located.

Brief. In no more than two pages, one if possible, they explain the issue and the proposal’s impact.

Not form letters. A form letter that is modified to deliver a unique message is more likely to

influence legislators.

Avoid personal criticism.

Express appreciation for past or future support.

Ask for a response. It is appropriate to ask your elected official to send you a letter stating his/her

position on the issue.

A letter/email to your State Senator or Representative should include the following items:

Heading for State Senator or State Representative:

The Honorable (full name)

Senate of Illinois OR Illinois House of Representatives

Salutation:

Dear Senator (full name): OR Dear Representative (full name):

Opening Paragraph:

State the subject of your letter

Identify yourself and your organization

Example: “I am the resource coordinator/director of (organization’s name) which annually serves ______

students and their families” or “I provide _____ programs at (organization’s name) that _________.”

Don’t forget about youth voices!

Including youth voice is a great way to further the impact of your

message. Consider including drawings and/or letters written by

the youth in your programs that express how afterschool has

positively benefited their lives.

Body of Letter:

Explain the issue simply and factually at a level the legislator will understand. They’re not experts!

Give a local, personal, example of the impact of the issue to make the legislator care.

State your position on the bill or provision, whether you support it or oppose it.

Be polite. There’s always another issue to fight another day.

Thank the senator or representative for their attention to the issue.

Let the senator or representative know you are a resource for more information.

Ask for a reply.

Sample Letter/Email to Elected Official

The Honorable (full name)

Senate of Illinois OR House of Representatives

Address

Dear Senator (full name): OR Dear Representative (full name):

As your constituent, I urge you to support summer learning opportunities for Illinois’ youth on National Summer

Learning Day, July 12, 2018.

Research shows that during the summer, students lose two months of math skills. In addition, low income students lose

two to three months in reading achievement. Investment in summer programs reduces summer learning loss and

supports success during the school year. They also help improve the health of youth, and keep them safe and from

choosing to involve themselves in crime. I ask that you support initiatives that increase the number of summer learning

opportunities for youth in Illinois such as summer enrichment and access activities, summer meals, and summer jobs in

your district. (Insert a story about your program and how the services you offer impact summer learning loss and

helps keep kids healthy and safe).

With your help, we can ensure that young Illinoisans within our community and across our state have the tools they

need to successfully transition into educated, self-sufficient, accomplished adults.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Your Address)

Alternatively, you can use our action alert to send a letter to your policymakers.

When you follow the link, a message will be automated for you.

All you need to do is input your address and it will be on its way to your legislators!

Telephone Calls to Elected Officials

During the summer months, you can call your legislator at their district office. You will most likely speak to a legislative

aide rather than the legislator, but rest assured that officials take your input seriously.

To make the most of a telephone call, constituents should:

Prepare for the call. Develop a concise list of talking points you want to share with the legislator

during the call.

Introduce yourself. Give your name and identify yourself as a constituent. Provide your address

and telephone number if it is requested. If you are calling about a specific piece of legislation,

identify it by name and bill number.

Show appreciation. If your legislator has supported your cause in the past, let them know that it

was appreciated.

Focus on a single issue – Summer Learning.

State your position. Briefly explain your position and how you would like your legislator to vote.

Thank the legislator. Remember to always be courteous and respectful. If speaking to a legislative

aide, jot down their name.

Follow-up. If additional information is requested, take care to provide it as quickly as possible.

Keep track of your legislator’s actions and follow up with a letter expressing thanks or

disappointment. You can check the status of a bill at www.ilga.gov (Illinois legislation) or

www.govtrack.us (Federal legislation).

Sample Telephone Call to Elected Official

Staff Member: Thank you for calling Representative (Name)’s office. How may I help you?

Caller: Hello, my name is (your name) from (City), and I am calling on behalf of (your organization).

Staff Member: Wonderful, what can I do for you?

Caller: As a constituent of Representative/Senator (Names)’s district, I support increased access to summer learning

and enrichment programs for our district’s youth, and ask Representative (Name) to do the same.

Research shows that students without appropriately enriching summer learning opportunities lose two to three months’

of what they have learned during the school year in reading and math. When students fall behind, their risk of failing to

complete high school dramatically increases. Summer learning loss also contributes to the country’s achievement gap

and is therefore a threat to our workforce. Quality summer enrichment opportunities keep young people learning and

provide them access to healthy food and safe places to be active. (Feel free to also add any personal anecdotes about

why you think summer learning is important.) ***REMEMBER: BE BRIEF!***

Staff Member: Thank you for sharing your concerns with us, and I will relay your comments on to the member of

Congress.

Caller: Thank you for this information. I appreciate you sharing my thoughts on summer learning. Have a great day.

4. Using Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool that is changing the way people absorb information, mobilize for advocacy, and raise

awareness about issue campaigns. Within minutes, organizations and individuals can amplify a singular message and

spread it quickly through social media. Advocates of summer learning can benefit from how quickly information can be

shared and how much their follower’s networks can see their posts and activities. Online media engagement is only

expected to increase in the coming years; making social media communication a valuable tool for advocates to integrate

in our advocacy efforts.

Sample Tweets

National Summer Learning Week is quickly approaching on July

8-13. Go celebrate! Register an event or find your local event

from the @summerlearning website now!

bit.ly/SummerLearningWeek #SummerLearningIL

Students with high attendance in free, 5-6 week, voluntary

#summerlearning programs experienced educationally

meaningful benefits in math and reading. Contact your

legislators and educate them on the necessity of summer

learning programs: bit.ly/summerillinois #SummerLearningIL

Click graphic to access full resolution image.

Click graphic to access full resolution image.

Most students lose 2 months of mathematical skills every

summer, and low-income children typically lose another 2-3

months in reading. Year after year, those losses add up.

Contact your legislators and educate them on the necessity of

summer learning programs: bit.ly/summerillinois

#SummerLearningIL

Sample Facebook Posts

National Summer Learning Week is quickly approaching on July 8-13. Go celebrate! Register an event or find your

local event from the National Summer Learning Association’s website now! bit.ly/SummerLearningWeek

#SummerLearningWeek #SummerLearningIL

Click graphic to access full resolution image.

Click graphic to access full resolution image.

Despite promising findings around reduced crime and mortality rates for participants, waiting lists to participate in

summer job and job training programs for teens are in the thousands in most major cities. Keep teens busy, keep

teens engaged, and keep them learning during the summer months. #SummerLearningIL Contact your legislators:

bit.ly/summerillinois

Most students lose two months of mathematical skills every

summer, and low-income children typically lose another two

to three months in reading. By 5th grade, cumulative years of

summer learning loss can leave low-income students 2.5 to 3

years behind peers. #KeepKidsLearning and close the gap.

Learn more at www.summerlearning.org

#SummerLearningWeek #SummerLearningIL

Facebook Frame!

Celebrate National Summer Learning Week with this Facebook Frame! Just update your profile picture by pressing “Add

Frame” and then search for “summer learning”! You can also just click here to take any picture and include the frame with

your Facebook app!

Click graphic to access full resolution image.

Click graphic to access full resolution image.

5. Summer Programming Resources

The following links provide options for summer learning engagement activities that can be done almost anywhere with

household items. It is important to consider the variety of topics and materials used in programming, so that students get

a well-rounded experience and keep science, reading, art, math, and teamwork skills fresh during vacation. Use these

tools to build a comprehensive and enjoyable summer learning experience for your community!

Science Activities

Museum of Science and Industry Summer Brain Games: The Museum of Science and Industry produces free

summer science activities. These activities can often be done with simple household items. You can access these

activities on their website. When you sign up you will receive a free ticket to the museum, and you can access

activities from summers past. http://www.msichicago.org/experiment/summer-brain-games/

STEM Gems: The National AfterSchool Association produces weekly STEM Gems, which are short discovery-

based experiences that involve little or no materials and may be easily implemented by educators that are not

STEM specialists. https://naaweb.org/resources/stem-gems

Reading Activities

Association for Library Service to Children: The Association has created a list of book-related activities to do

with school-age youth during the summer. Their list includes crafts, performance ideas, and science programs.

http://www.ala.org/alsc/kickstart

Reading Rockets: Reading Rockets has assembled ideas for active summer learning, summer reading fun, and

print and share activities. Many of these ideas can be adapted to multiple settings.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/get-ready-summer-ideas-teachers-share-families

Arts and Crafts

Art Bar Blog: The Art Bar Blog provides 58 summer art activities pulled together by 20 art savvy moms.

http://www.artbarblog.com/58-summer-art-camp-ideas/

Free Kids Crafts: This website provides links to detailed instructions for various summer craft ideas.

http://www.freekidscrafts.com/seasons/summer-crafts/

All Kids Network: The All Kids Network has summer craft ideas for kids of all ages.

https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/summer/

Games

Ultimate Camp Resource: Ultimate Camp Resources has links to various summer games and activities. The

games are broken down by game type and include adaptive or special needs games.

http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/camp-games.html

Six Sisters Stuff: This site provides links to 50 outdoor summer activities for kids including games and crafts.

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/05/50-outdoor-summer-activities-for-kids.html

Themes & Curriculum

Summer Camp Programming: Sometimes it is easier to come up with summer programming ideas if you start

with a theme. This site provides 100 sample summer themes with ideas of activities for each theme.

http://www.summercamppro.com/100-summer-camp-themes/

Hope for Miami: This document includes links to various free curriculum for summer learning including math,

film, and teaching youth financial literacy.

http://www.fcfcfl.org/WhatUMissed/Free_Books_and_Curricula%202-25-12.pdf

Health & Nutrition: It’s important for all young people to keep active and eat healthy while school is out.

Without the structure and resources that the school year offer, youth are at greater risk for weight gain and

unhealthy eating habits during the summer months. Here are some ways you can incorporate fun activity and

nutrition into summer. https://www.summerlearning.org/knowledge-center/keep-kids-active-and-healthy-

during-the-summer/

Social Emotional Summer Learning: For program staff, building in social emotional learning (SEL) lessons is easy

to do in the unscripted summer moments. Build-up self-awareness, responsible decision making, and

relationship skills by utilizing these activities and games. https://www.wingsforkids.org/12-prompts-for-social-

emotional-summer-learning/?bblinkid=158323821&bbemailid=13770438&bbejrid=1054923192

Other Resources

Scholastic: Scholastic has produced a list of creative summer learning ideas including math, reading, and science

activities. https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/creative-summerlearning-ideas/

Edutopia: Edutopia, which is an initiative of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, has compiled fun and

free summer learning resources. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/summer-learning-resources-matt-davis