10A | SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018 | SIUSLAW NEWS
The Boys & Girls Club Implements SUMMER BRAIN GAIN
Strategy To Mitigate Summer Learning Loss
What is Summer Learning Loss?
Summer learning loss is the loss of academic skills by students during the summer, particularly by students from rural low- income communities. Summer
matters because there is no other time of year in America when inequalities are greater.
75% of the achievement gap between lower and higher-income kids can be explained by unequal access to summer learning programs.
Low-income kids lose two or more months reading achievement in summer.
By the end of fifth grade, disadvantaged children are nearly 3 GRADE EQUIVALENTS BEHIND their more affluent peers in reading. 61% of kids enrolled
in our After-School Programs have been identified by multiple agencies as Economically Disadvantaged, 18% Underserved.
Watch this video for a clear representation of Summer Learning Loss for kids in our community: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEDsjkRLKh4
Summer Brain Gain is Boys & Girls Club of America project-based Learning Practices (Engage, Express, Evaluate, Exhibit) supported by Common
Core-aligned learning modules. Each Common Core-aligned learning module in Summer Brain Gain provides project-based activities, emphasizing math,
science, and literacy. While the average low-income U.S. student lost at least two months of learning last summer, the average Summer Brain Gain
participant did not experience learning loss.
Here are just a few of the project activities:
Middle School STEM: For The Love of Science
This module introduces kids to scientific inquiry through experiments that challenge their thought process and allows them to have hands-on experiences
with chemical reactions, diffusion, and other processes.
Reactions of Science Projects
• Balloon Blast Off
• Cloudy Day of Toothpaste
• Spontaneous Bag Combustion
• Soda Explosion
• Mysterious Melt-Down
• Flying Marshmallows
Elementary & Middle School STEM: Weather Wanderers
Weather affects people all over the world. Many people choose where they live and how they live based on the climate conditions of the place in which
they live. Weather has such a significant impact on cultures that it can shape the course of history. This module will allow Club kids to explore climate and
weather through the lens of ways of life and culture around the globe.
How the Great Wind Blows Projects
Game Show: Climate Capers & Collages • Cloud In a Jar • Breaking News, “Survivors of Extreme Weather!”
“Be Prepared “ Bakeless Cookies • Weather Wanderers via NASA.gov • Global Impact: Let’s Make a Difference!
Elementary: Balloons Over Broadway
This module’s goal is to teach an understanding that good leaders have a vision for change. Good leaders are driven to make new and better things
happen in their communities, country and often the world.
Leadership Parade Projects
Balloon Powered Racer • Leadership Word Wall • Balloon Garland • Leadership Parade • Balloon Art
The specific benefits to the community that we expect to occur as a result of this program are:
• Gains in reading skills for 5th & 8th graders
• Gains in math skills for 4th, 5th, & 6th graders
• Positive growth for 6th grade in 21st Century skills
• Greater interest in reading Skill development in creating thinking, problem-solving, & decision-making.
• Improved peer collaboration and teamwork.
• No noted significant summer learning loss in early literacy, reading, and math
• Measurable early literacy, reading and math gains
• Higher likelihood of overall academic success
SUMMER BRAIN GAIN is now open for registration through June 10 for ages K-12. SUMMER BRAIN GAIN runs from
June 18 – August 16. The Elementary Program is open 7:45 am – 5:30 pm Mondaythrough Friday. The Teen Program is open
10:30 am – 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Visit the Boys & Girls Club Administrative Office/Teen Center at 1501 Airport Road or the
Boys & Girls Club Elementary Program at the Siuslaw Elementary School for registration forms and information.
For additional information or if you would like to sponsor a child for SUMMER BRAIN GAIN,
please contact The CLUB at 541-902-0304 or ctrent@bgcwlc.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Lane County, A Place to Become….
HELP US, HELP THEM
www.bgcwlc.org