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Want to maintain your child’s academic gains this summer? Use these simple tips to beat the summer slump.
School is out, and summer is here! Perhaps you’ve signed up for summer camp or swim lessons or are hosting a camp at home. Whatever the plans, it’s key to hold onto everything learned during the school year.
Our children work hard all year to learn new math and literacy skills, so avoiding losing their knowledge is a priority. Summer break is much-needed downtime. Kids will no doubt want to sleep in a bit longer and fall out of their routines.
Studies have shown that students lose an average of 39% of their learning every summer. A summer slump or summer slide can be prevented with 15-30 minutes of dedicated daily review. And if you miss a day, it is not the end of the world.
There are many opportunities to prevent the summer slump. Everything from multi-subject workbooks and free online learning to local activities, get ready to escape the brain drain.
Let’s break down the summer learning activities you need to know to avoid the summer slump.
How to Avoid the Summer Slump
What activities do we recommend for preschool?
A diverse mix of activities will keep preschoolers engaged. Setting a simple routine will help manage expectations and keep learning time fun. If possible, knock out Summer Bridge workbook activities after breakfast. Then, for the rest of the day, they feel free. If you can incorporate other activities later in the day, that’s great, too.
Preschool Learning Tools
SHOP THE Pre-K POST
- Summer Bridge Activities: This is the crown jewel, and we swear by this series.
- Learn to Read Phonics Flash Cards: Help the kiddos master phonemic awareness over the summer.
- Handwriting Workbook: Practice handwriting and easily erase to try again plus extra writing activities.
- Handwriting Workbook: (Bonus/Backup Option): Trace and color, search-and-find activities, practice line drawing, and the alphabet.
- Wooded Letter Matching Game: Help master sight words and learn to spell while having fun.
- Ticonderoga: Okay, we swear by this pencil brand and love that they have a version for younger kids.
- Ticonderoga Sharpener: Don’t forget the pencil sharpener, that’s the perfect fit for the larger pencils.
- Pencil Control Workbook: This will help sharpen their handwriting and their ability to write on the line.
- Scissor Skills: Practicing scissor skills will help eliminate frustration when cutting.
- Numbers Flashcards: A timeless skill of learning number recognition and playing math games.
Elementary School | Kindergarten to 5th Grade
The summer slump hits elementary students the hardest, especially in reading and math. The good news? A quick 15-minute daily habit is all it takes to reinforce what they learned all year. In our opinion, Summer Bridge workbooks make it easy to stay consistent without overwhelming your child or your schedule.
K-5 Learning Resources
Middle School | 6th to 8th Grade
Middle Schoolers crave independence, but they’re still vulnerable to the summer slump. A short, focused 15-minute review each day helps keep critical thinking and core skills sharp. It’s just enough structure to maintain momentum without taking away from their summer freedom.
6-8 Learning Resources
High School | 9th to 12 Grade
High school students may seem self-sufficient, but the summer slump can quietly impact retention and readiness for more advanced coursework. Encourage just 15 minutes of review a day to stay mentally active and confident. It’s a small commitment that pays off when the new school year begins.
9-12 Learning Resources
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