LearningRx brain training centers in the Washington, D.C. area are helping parents avoid the academic “summer slide” by providing summer brain training tips. During the summer, kids can lose an average 2 months of grade-level equivalency in math skills and 25 percent of their reading skills. LearningRx suggests cognitive exercises and games that can build brain ‘muscle’ and be fun too. For a free booklet of games, or for more information, go to www.learningrx.com.
“In many ways, the brain is like a muscle and the old adage “use it or lose it” certainly holds true,” said Maureen Loftus, executive director of LearningRx of Reston, Va. and Vienna, Va. “Mental exercise can keep the brain strong, just as physical exercise can keep the body strong,” said Loftus.
These exercises keep the brain energized while building cognitive skills, the underlying mental abilities needed to learn.