As the school year winds down and summer approaches, students and families are looking forward to a well-earned break. But did you know that students can lose up to two months of academic progress over the summer if learning takes a complete pause?
This phenomenon is known as the summer slide, and it affects students of all ages. The good news? It doesn’t take a summer of worksheets and textbooks to avoid it. With a few intentional (and fun!) activities, families can keep skills sharp and start the new school year with confidence.
What Is the Summer Slide?
The summer slide refers to the learning loss that many students experience over the summer break, particularly in reading, writing and math. Without regular practice, important skills fade, and teachers often spend the first month of school reviewing material that students once mastered.
Why It Matters
While summer is meant to be relaxing, staying mentally active makes it easier for students to:
- Retain what they’ve learned during the school year
- Stay confident in their academic abilities
- Make a smooth transition into September
Simple Ways to Keep Skills Sharp
Here are a few fun, low-pressure ideas to support learning at home:
Read a Little Every Day
Reading is one of the easiest ways to keep brains active. Try:
- Visiting your local library each week
- Listening to audiobooks during road trips
- Starting a family book club or buddy reading time
Write for Real-Life Reasons
Writing doesn’t have to mean essays. Keep it practical and fun:
- Write postcards to friends or relatives
- Start a summer journal or scrapbook
- Create comics, recipes, or travel guides
Stay Connected with Little Mountain
We know how important it is to strike the right balance between rest and routine. That’s why we offer summer programs designed to boost key skills without burning kids out. Whether it’s reading comprehension, creative writing, or vocabulary building, our small-group lessons make learning enjoyable and effective.
If you’re interested in keeping your child’s momentum going, reach out to us about summer availability.
A Summer of Fun and Growth
Summer doesn’t have to mean stepping away from learning altogether. With just a few small habits and activities, your child can return in September feeling confident, curious, and ready for what’s next.
We wish all of our families a fun filled summer!