How To Avoid the “Summer Slide”

Summer break is all about sunshine, ice cream, and good times, right?

Well, have you heard about the “summer slide”?

No, it’s not a super cool playground feature—it’s actually what happens when kids lose some of the awesome skills they picked up during the school year. When school’s out for summer, kids tend to put down the books and forget a little bit about math, reading, and other lessons.

This “slide” can happen to students of any age, including your little kindergarteners.

But don’t worry—it’s totally fixable, and you can still have a fantastic summer while keeping those brain cells in gear!

Understanding the Summer Slide

The summer slide occurs when students don’t engage in educational activities during summer break, leading to a loss of knowledge and skills.

Children from all backgrounds can experience the summer slide, but unfortunately, it’s often more severe for those with fewer resources or less access to educational activities during the summer.

How to Prevent the Summer Slide

1. ENCOURAGE READING: Make reading a daily habit. Visit the library together, and let your child choose books that interest them. Look for programs like summer reading challenges to keep them engaged.
2. INCORPORATE LEARNING INTO DAILY ACTIVITIES: Learning doesn’t have to be formal. You can incorporate it into everyday activities, like counting items while shopping, discussing the weather, or observing nature during a walk.
3. PLAY EDUCATIONAL GAMES: Board games, card games, and online educational games can help keep learning fun.
4. USE WORKBOOKS AND ACTIVITY SHEETS: These can help maintain skills in a structured way. Look for age-appropriate workbooks that cover basic math and reading skills.
5. VISIT EDUCATIONAL SITES: Trips to museums, zoos, aquariums, or science centers can be fun and educational.
6. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE: Physical activity can improve focus and cognitive function. Play outside, visit parks, and encourage sports or other physical activities.
7. MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: A consistent daily routine can help your child stay on track and ensure there’s time for learning, play, and rest.
8. ENGAGE IN CREATIVE ACTIVITIES: Encourage creativity through arts and crafts, music, or storytelling. These activities can help develop a variety of skills.
9. PRACTICE SOCIAL SKILLS: Summer is a great time to work on social skills through playdates, family gatherings, or organized activities like sports or camps.
10. CONSIDER SUMMER PROGRAMS: If possible, enroll your child in summer camps or programs that offer educational content along with fun activities.

These Extended School Year Units Will Help Keep Kids Engaged Over the Summer:

Before the End of the School Year, Strategize with YourChild’s Teachers

TALK TO YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER: Before the school year ends, ask the teacher for recommendations on activities, resources, or specific skills to work on during the summer.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT SCHOOL RESOURCES: Some schools offer summer programs or resources that can help prevent the summer slide.

By incorporating these tips into your summer plans, you can help ensure your child stays engaged and retains the skills they learned during the school year.