Summer break allows students to rest and recharge, but while your child enjoys the downtime, their academic skills might be quietly slipping. This phenomenon, known as summer learning loss, can set students back once school resumes. It is, however, preventable. Here are a few simple ways to keep young minds engaged all season long.
Join a Summer Learning Program
If you find an opportunity, consider enrolling your child in an online or in-person summer learning program. Learning in a group setting may be more fun during summer break. Even just 45 minutes a day, five days a week, adds up to over three hours of learning each week—enough to make a meaningful difference without overshadowing the break. Use part of the summer to review what was challenging during the school year, then shift the focus to what is coming next.
Encourage Peer Learning and Tutoring
High school students can benefit from teaching younger siblings or friends. This peer learning and tutoring can reinforce their knowledge, build confidence, and lessen summer learning loss. Maybe one child is more proficient in math and another in reading. When working together, they can support one another in the subjects they each find more challenging. This simple but effective way to keep learning is social, low-pressure, and mutually beneficial.
Make Reading a Regular Habit
Set aside time for regular reading throughout the summer. Encourage your child to keep a list of books he or she has read or wants to read to stay motivated and track progress. Taking a trip to the library is a great way to get started. Local libraries run summer reading programs that offer fun challenges and small prizes to encourage participation. Many also host free events, activities, and classes in different fields, including gaming, modern technology, and software. All of these activities can foster a lifelong love of learning and help prevent summer learning loss.
Incorporate Learning into Everyday Activities
Learning does not have to stay in the classroom. Every day tasks can become meaningful learning opportunities. Let your teen participate in meal planning, budgeting, and prepping for the week. Grocery shopping can turn into a practical lesson in math and decision-making, as well as preparation for life after high school. Gardening offers a hands-on way to explore biology, responsibility, and observation. Volunteering is another powerful option that allows children to apply what they have learned in real-world settings while building empathy and life skills.
Explore Local Museums and Cultural Spots
Summer is a great time to visit the places you may not have time for during the busy school year. Local museums can turn a weekend outing into an enriching experience. Art museums can spark conversations about historical events, artistic movements, and the cultural context behind different works. Similarly, concert halls offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a chance to engage with music, history, and culture. Look for opportunities to attend classical music performances, and consider planning some related learning activities around them.
Losing some skills and knowledge over the summer may be a normal part of the learning process. At Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, we believe academics are important, but focusing solely on classroom learning can lead to burnout. We offer enriching extracurricular activities throughout the year and camps during summer break where students can express themselves while recharging in a like-minded community.
