For Immediate Release 4/24/06

Wilmington, Delaware – According to a study by Dr. Harris Cooper, professor of psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia, when students return to school after summer vacation, they've lost one to three months worth of learning. To combat what educators commonly refer to as “summer brain drain,” local educational firm Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. will offer five fun, educational camps for Summer 2006. The camps are geared toward students in K-12th grades and include a Math is Magic Workshop, Summer Book Club, Exploration of Drawing, and Study Skills Workshop.

“Summer may be the perfect opportunity to learn new skills or hone old ones,” explains Director Beverly Stewart, “but the key to getting kids to buy into the idea is to make it an enjoyable experience.” Luckily for Delaware parents, the Back to Basics’ camps do just that.

For example, Back to Basics’ Math is Magic Camp makes learning fun by showing students how math is like a puzzle and reinforcing fundamentals through games, math “tricks,” and creative activities.  This camp is particularly important because, according to Dr. Cooper’s study, the summer decline is more pronounced in math skills than in reading skills.

Another activity that is fun as well as educational is the Summer Book Club. “Since social activities are a highly anticipated aspect of summer, we created a kids Summer Book Club,” explains Stewart. The Book Club combines fun and learning in a creative, interactive program designed to improve reading and writing skills. The club uses a thematic and multi-sensory approach.  Students in kindergarten through eighth grades have the opportunity to improve their writing style, strengthen their reading skills and enhance their enjoyment of books.

Kids are also sure to enjoy Exploration of Drawing. This camp allows students to create masterpieces using pencil, charcoal and markers as they explore line, texture, space and an introduction to perspective. 

In addition to Summer Camps, Back to Basics also offers special summer programs in the New SAT Preparation and Study Skills. And the firm provides one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction in over 50 subjects for remedial, maintenance, and enrichment purposes.

Founded in 1985, Back to Basics is the tri-state area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring, homeschooling, ESL instruction, and school contracts. “Our mission, which is prominently displayed in our lobby as a constant reminder, is to educate and build self- esteem in children and adults to make a difference in their lives,” says Stewart. “We are really in the business of helping students succeed.”

Success means something different to each student, and for over 20 years the firm has served the diverse educational needs of over 9,000 students – children through adults -- in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The firm provides services for a wide variety of students including individuals, state agencies, school districts, and corporations.