Home Alone

As the school year ends and summer approaches, children across America will be home alone.

In many areas, community situations do not allow children to run and play in the local park. Economic restraints prevent children from receiving daily nutritious meals. Working conditions require older siblings -- often under 12 years of age -- to take care of their younger siblings, and resource restrictions do not provide children with a rich array of in-home reading materials or educational games.

As a result, millions of children spend their summer months inside, taking care of themselves and their siblings, undernourished, and watching television.

Studies show children typically lose two months of academic gains during the summer months.

There are many programs and initiatives that focus on engaging students in the summer. The Boys and Girls Club of America offers art, education, character and athletic programs through over 4,000 club locations.

Summer Advantage USA, a nonprofit program that I lead, this summer will involve 5,000 students in rigorous academics, with two healthy meals each day, daily physical fitness activities, and enrichment opportunities ranging from field trips, guest speakers and community service projects.

If you have children, be sure to keep them engaged in learning through books, summer programs or educational games. If you are looking for activity ideas for your children, visit the White House initiative, Let's Read, Let's Move.

If you don't have children at home, consider volunteering at a program to encourage, mentor or support a child. This summer JP Morgan Chase, which invests in community programs, will have employees volunteer to help thousands of children in Indianapolis.

We live in a country filled with wonderful, curious and creative children. Let's make a commitment to ensure that none of our youngsters are left home alone without activities that will support their growth and development.


(courtesy of Summer Advantage USA)

 

Comments

[SoCalifTeacher]

09:49 PM on 06/12/2011

Too many kids will spend the summer playing video games. Thanks Bill Gates.

[amgnme]

10:56 PM on 06/10/2011

What you describe about being home alone, no books to read, undernourished, and older siblings caring for younger ones is very sad for sure although somewhat common in summer. Now imagine all those same conditions the rest of the year when they are at school trying to focus on their work. For kids in low income areas, this is typical. They can't focus, they have no homework help and many older siblings are frequently absent taking care of their younger siblings. This is what politicians don't see when they are drafting legislation to force these kids to be able to score on par with kids whose biggest problem in life is that they are running late for soccer practice.

[eceresa]

08:13 AM on 06/09/2011

If we were seriously trying to improve education in this country, we wouldn't be spending more money on tests and firing teachers.

We'd be spending money on this. Improving the out-of-school environment for disadvantaged kids. This is where the problem actually is.