Beat the Summer Slide: Tips for Parents

As the weather warms up, we all look forward to the slower, easier days of summer. I always enjoy waking up without an alarm clock and drinking my morning tea slowly. As a child, I remember my parents giving us lots of time to play outdoors and going on family vacations. Summer break should be a time to rest and enjoy a less rigorous and less scheduled existence, but those long sunny days away from the classroom can also lead to the dreaded "summer slide" - a loss of academic skills and knowledge over the vacation months. As a parent, you don't want your child to lose valuable ground and return to school in the fall struggling to catch up. The good news is there are plenty of strategies you can use to keep your child's mind active and prevent summer learning loss.

Before I explain some helpful tips, I have one caution. Children learn a lot by playing and participating in family life. Preventing learning loss should not accidentally turn summer into school. Instead, consider enjoying activities with your child that allow them to learn organically. I love the idea of a balanced approach to free-range parenting. If you haven’t read about this parenting style, I would definitely encourage you to read Lenore Skenazy’s book Free Range Kids and adapt it to your situation.

While keeping this in mind, here are some tips for avoiding summer learning loss.

Make Reading a Priority

Aim for your child to read for at least 20-30 minutes per day during the summer. Let them pick out books they're genuinely interested in - whether it's fantasy novels, comic books, or magazines about their favorite topics. Reading helps reinforce comprehension, vocabulary, and other vital literacy skills. Consider signing them up for your local library's summer reading program and/or going to your local library each week.

Practice Math Skills

Look for math workbooks or online programs aligned with your child's just-completed grade level. Have them spend 10-15 minutes per day practicing math facts, word problems, and other concepts. Even better, integrate math practice into everyday activities like cooking, shopping, and helping plan travel.

Explore Hands-On Learning

Science experiments, nature walks, visits to museums, and zoos are interactive, hands-on learning experiences that reinforce STEM skills in a fun way.

Consider a Tutor

One of the most effective ways to prevent summer learning loss is by hiring a tutor. A tutor can provide personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your child's specific needs and learning style. They'll ensure your child gets consistent practice over the summer while also identifying and addressing any gaps or weaknesses.

A good tutor will create an engaging, interactive learning environment that keeps your child motivated and interested.

Make It Fun

Most importantly, try to keep summer learning fun and low-stress. Alternate educational activities with outdoor play, field trips, and other chances to socialize. With some creativity and the right strategies in place, you can easily prevent the summer slide and keep your child's mind active all summer long.