Keeping Children Engaged During Summer Months

Research has shown that students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills over the summer if they do not engage in educational activities. 

“By keeping children engaged in educational activities throughout the summer, parents can help prevent learning loss and ensure that their children continue to grow academically,” said Educator and Children’s books Author Malissa Parks.  

Here are some ways parents can encourage their children to read during the summer and avoid learning loss:

1. Set a weekly reading goal;

2. Create a reading schedule;

3. Let them choose their own books;

4. Make it a family activity; and 

5. Utilize online resources.

Overall, by making reading a fun and enjoyable experience. 

Author Malissa Parks released her latest book, Hero 44, a children’s book aimed at inspiring young learners by telling the story of former President Barack Obama. The book offers an easy-to-read format for preschoolers and early readers, with the intention of helping children to advance their reading skills.
The book’s protagonist, Hero 44, is modeled after Barack Obama, and readers will follow the story from Obama’s humble beginnings to his rise as the first African-American President of the United States.

This book is an excellent tool for teaching children about the importance of perseverance, hard work
and hope. Parks believes her book will have a positive impact on students in their early years of education. She says, “Young children need stories like Hero 44 to help them understand how to take on
the world and the challenges they will face. This book will help them build their confidence and resilience.”

Malissa Parks is a 54-year-old native of Carson, California, who currently resides in Long Beach due to her preference for living near the water, Parks followed in her family’s footsteps, with four of her sisters and her grandparents having worked in education. While she previously held a full-time position at the Los Angeles Unified School District, she now works as a substitute teacher. Parks earned her master’s degree in education from Argosy University.

About the Author

New York Trend is a weekly news publication that focuses on issues and lifestyles of the African & Caribbean American communities throughout the New York metropolitan area and Nassau and Suffolk Counties of Long Island. It is a respected and well recognized news publication that has been in existence since 1989. Owner, Publisher and Executive Director, Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams has been at the helm of this award-winning publication since its inception. New York Trend continues to be the only black woman-owned, metropolitan newspaper in New York and Long island. New York Trend is the largest black-owned newspaper throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.