Learning loss is term used to describe when adolescents have trouble recalling recently learned knowledge and skills attained in an educational setting. The phenomenon occurs during extended time away from school, namely summer vacation, although research finds that it also occurs during shorter vacations such as those taken during the Holiday season and spring break.
Parents often heed teacher recommendations to bring along educational handbooks to protect against learning loss, but all too often these materials stay packed in suitcases. Most kids certainly don’t want to crack open a math text when a day of fun at the beach, ski slope, or resort pool (etc.) awaits. Parents are also guilty of neglecting to push their kids to do the work, knowing that they may have to give up their own leisure time to help with addition, subtraction, and algebra problems.
Sound familiar? We thought so. But don’t feel bad as you join thousands of other American households (our own included) which take the foot off the gas when it comes to maintaining education while on vacation. That being said, you fully understand the importance, which is why you’re searching for tips on how to prevent vacation learning loss in a manner that is more engaging and fun than traditional methods. Popongo has you covered. Read ahead to learn more.
3 Ways Popongo is the Perfect Tool for Preventing Adolescent Learning Loss When on a Family Vacation
I. Unwittingly Maintains Math Lessons with Kids
As per the rules of Popongo (reference here) win totals are tallied by tossing game balls into color-coded (for point values) cups that are positioned within the game board. This innately incorporates the concept of addition into the game-play equation. However, you can tweak the rules as you desire (i.e. an airball results in point losses, etc.) to factor in subtraction, multiplication, and division. There is also an Equalizer cup (view more) that can instantaneously change the game for added intensity and quick thinking.
Furthermore, there is an added benefit to incorporating math with physical activity as it injects a healthy layer of complexity to learning. Kids will learn to quickly calculate while engaged in movement. This calls upon a higher level of cognitive functioning. All things equal, this will have positive reverberations when back at the desk at school in a less dynamic setting.
Remember, all of this occurs without your kids feeling as if they are being asked to do mathematics. Consequently, you’ll encounter less eye-rolling and way more laughter!
II. Maintains Interpersonal Skills
Every household with more than one child knows that vacations invariably result in sibling fighting, This is generally the result of boredom when back at the hotel or vacation rental. Conversely, siblings (and cousins, etc.) may not even interact, with each tucked away into the recesses of the hotel/rental with their faces buried in smartphones and tablets. As a result, their interpersonal skills suffer. But when a Popongo game board is set-up within view, siblings and other family members gravitate towards game play. All of a sudden they are engaged with one another, laughing, and playfully taunting opponents to miss their respective targets.
Interpersonal skills are given an additional opportunity to grow if you bring your Popongo into hotel common areas and on cruises and the like, as other kids may ask yours if they can join in and play. Friendships are formed when playing Popongo!
III. Easy to Pack and Carry
Available for purchase with your Popongo game set is an official carrying case that holds the lightweight board, balls, and cups. It can easily be packed into any plane, train, or automobile, and can be brought along to the beach or anywhere else vacation adventures take you. Popongo is the ultimate travel companion for preventing vacation learning loss.
Do you live in the contiguous United States? Get your Popongo game set purchase shipped directly do you before you leave for your next family vacation, FREE of cost. Simply add to cart and don’t forget the official carry-case and other accessories for added convenience.