Do students really lose a lot of learning over the summer? The answer is yes— but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. The so-called "summer slide" is real, especially in reading and math, but there are plenty of creative, low-stress ways to keep kids learning (and having fun) all summer long. Turns out, the best summer learning blends curiosity, a bit of structure, and—yes—a dash of
technology.
So, what can you do to help your child (or your students) keep their skills sharp before the new school year?
- Make learning visible and playful. Turn everyday moments—cooking, gardening, even grocery shopping—into math and reading opportunities. Try letting kids tally up ingredients, estimate totals, or read recipes aloud.
- Set up a summer reading challenge. Visit your local library or pick a theme for the
season (mysteries, graphic novels, science adventures). If your child prefers digital, explore free eBooks or audiobooks from the library.
- Incorporate tech with purpose. Educational apps and online games can be powerful tools when used intentionally. My favorites for summer are those that encourage problem-solving, coding, or creative writing. For a curated list, check out the resources on our Ask a Tech Teacher blog.
- Start a family project. Build a birdhouse, plant a garden, or launch a simple coding project together. Document progress with photos and a summer journal—great for practicing writing and digital citizenship.
One lesson I’ve learned: Kids are more likely to stick with summer learning when it feels
different from school. Short, hands-on activities, a bit of friendly competition, and some choice go a long way.
