6 Ways to Fight the Summer Slide

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5 min read

Ah, summer: the time of year students dream of as soon as the rush of testing is over. (Or, let’s be honest, even before!) It’s the time when students can kick back, relax, and focus on just being kids. But, as parents and teachers alike know all too well, it’s also the time of year when the most learning loss is experienced.

So what can you do to fight the dreaded “Summer Slide” and make sure your kids get to have the best summer ever? Here are some recommendations from the pros at Varsity Tutors.

1. Get some sun!

From sunbathing to nature walks to time at the local pool, the process of soaking up the sun is a vital part of summer–yes, even for learning! Synthesizing vitamin D (with SPF!) has been proven to have positive effects on mood, health, and even brain function. So don’t let your kids spend all day inside. Get out with them and have some fun in the sun.

2. DIY projects using last year’s skills

One of the things that makes learning loss so easy during summer is a lack of application for the skills your child learned the previous year. Think back to the work they did in class and see if you can use the skills they know in a fun DIY project. Was your child introduced to fractions and measurement? Building the classic birdhouse is a great way to apply that knowledge. Did your child learn handwriting skills? Maybe they can help you copy down some mutually-beloved recipes. Be creative and find ways to apply last year’s skills to this summer’s projects. Your kids (and their future teachers) will thank you!

3. Summer classes

Summer can be a “use it or lose it” game for skills learned the previous year, particularly with math. Fortunately, even small, regular doses of math throughout the summer can help avoid learning loss and keep those math skills sharp. A great way to do this? Summer classes. These classes often review material covered in the previous year while getting students ready for concepts that will be covered in the fall, giving them the head start they need to succeed! They’re offered in abundance, from small to large group settings, online or in person, or even one-on-one. Summer is a great time to find the right fit for your child.

Did you know?

VT Learning Members have access to a broad range of summer classes, including our Jump Start and Bridging the Gap math courses, made to fill in learning gaps and give students an academic “jump start” on next year’s concepts.

4. Summer camps

One of the best things about summer is that kids finally have the opportunity to learn on their own terms and explore their own non-academic interests. You know, the things that make them THEM. Summer camps where students can learn new skills and explore existing ones help foster something very important to their development: intellectual curiosity. Creating a pattern of learning, whether it’s about algebra or magic tricks, coding or creative writing, keeps those learning muscles strong, fights Summer Slide, and helps build routines that help classroom learning too.

Did you know?

VT offers virtual, one-week summer camps that cover subjects from coding to magic tricks. Check out our options here and let your child learn and have fun from the privacy of your own home!

5. Pursue sensory experiences

No matter the age group, students tend to learn the most through sensory experiences. Sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell can enhance your child’s learning experiences and help with retention far better than any workbook. Baking classes are great ways to work with fractions. Starting a garden is a great way to exercise those reading skills, explore science, and get your kids’ hands dirty. Look for ways to incorporate the senses into your child’s summer activities as an enhancement to any summer study and you’ll be surprised how much knowledge they retain.

6. Encourage reading for pleasure

Keep that reading habit up! Studies have shown that regular reading at or above grade level can sustain and increase students’ learned vocabularies as well as helping with the development of critical thinking skills. And summer reading is all the more effective when readers read critically and analytically. So supplement reading with discussion and application: ask them about the books they’re reading and encourage them to learn about the places, events, and themes their books are based on. Remember, if they use their scholastic skills, they won’t lose them. In fact, with the right guidance, the summer slide can become a summer surge.

Did you know?

Varsity Tutors offers Book Clubs for a variety of ages. These virtual, small-group book clubs center on reading and discussing award-winning books. Get a sneak peek at our book club offerings here!