Summer is a great season for kids to recharge, play outside, and explore new interests. But did you know most kids lose up to two months of reading and math skills over the break? This is called summer learning loss, and it can cause kids to fall behind before the new school year even starts. The good news is that a few simple activities woven into your family’s summer routine can keep kids sharp, confident, and ready for the fall.
What Is Summer Learning Loss?
Summer learning loss (sometimes called the “summer slide”) refers to the academic regression that happens when kids are out of school for an extended break. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of math skills and reading fluency over the summer. The effect tends to compound over time, making back-to-school transitions harder each year.
Here are some fun activities, tips, and summer camp options to help prevent summer learning loss this season:
1. Enroll in a Summer Camp
Enrolling in a summer camp is one of the best ways to combine fun with meaningful learning. Here at Childcare Network, our Adventure Summer Camp is full of fun, interactive activities that perfectly blend hands-on learning and daily adventures. Throughout the summer, our campers will:
- Make friends and build teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Keep their brains sharp with game-based learning activities
- Take part in special events and field trips (varies by location)
2. Take on a Summer Reading Challenge
Encourage your child to set a summer reading goal, whether it’s 10 or 50 books. As they work through the list, they can check off each book and earn a prize when they hit their goal. Many local libraries also host their own summer reading programs, so check with yours for additional opportunities and incentives.
3. Cook Together
Cooking is a fantastic way to practice those math and science skills at home while making a tasty treat! From reading through a recipe, measuring ingredients, timing cook times, and watching what happens when you mix ingredients, cooking is a great way to engage your child in fun and real-life learning.
For recipe ideas, visit the USDA’s free Kids in the Kitchen collection at Nutrition.gov.
4. Encourage Screen-Free Activities
Screens can be fun in small doses, but getting kids up and moving works their brains and bodies in ways a screen simply cannot. Here are a few ideas for some screen-free activities that can engage your children in fun and learning, as well as keep them active:
- DIY Nature Journal: Go on a nature walk and write or draw what you see.
- Obstacle Course: Set up tables, chairs, cones, and other sports equipment for children to climb over, under, and around.
- Mindfulness Break: Take some time to breathe, stretch, and check in on how you are feeling. This is especially helpful after a busy day!
5. Host a Game Day
Games are a fun and competitive way to practice teamwork, collaboration, reading, and math skills, and even learn how to win (or lose!) kindly. Board games like Monopoly, Life, Candyland, and Chutes and Ladders help children practice their counting, reading comprehension, and rule-following. Card games like Go Fish, Uno, and Skip-Bo help children recognize numbers and patterns and develop quick math skills.
No matter how your family spends the summer, keeping children academically engaged makes the return to school smoother and less stressful. The activities above are designed to feel like fun, not a lesson plan.
Adventure Summer Camp is the one place that brings it all together. Give your child a summer full of friends, adventures, and learning
