Researchers have shown that students, regardless of socio-economic status, lose about 2 months’ worth of grade level math skills over the summer months (Cooper, Duke University, 2000). While reading to your child and going to the library are encouraged, practicing math skills is not. This makes summer programs with a mathematical focus crucial for the maintenance of critical math skills through those relaxing summer months.\n\nAfterschool and summer math programs augment a child’s mathematical understanding and provide extra time and explanation for students struggling with math concepts. Because these programs are outside the prescribed curriculum, they allow students to learn at a more leisurely and individualized pace. The versatility of MANGO Math activities makes them a perfect addition to any afterschool or summer program. Students can grab an activity and work on it by themselves or play a game with peers; instructors can assist individual students or lead group activities. Since all MANGO Math activities are based on common core standards, educators can be confident that the skills the students are learning and reinforcing align well with their school material.\n\nSummer and After School programs are a great time to expand on classroom learning. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has come to the forefront these past few years. This article in Forbes tells why STEM education is important and explains the steps that need to be taken to encourage students to continue in these fields. STEM education should start at the elementary level with building science- and math-conscious students. In these formative years, it is so important to encourage students to excel in math and to show an interest and curiosity in science. This interest is a major step towards considering an occupation in science, engineering, technology, and related fields. At the foundation of STEM is MATH – and MANGO Math is a great place to start.\n\nSummer learning loss is real – here’s three things you can do this summer to keep your child’s math skills sharp and ready to hit the ground running in the fall:\n