“Summer Slide” is a term used to describe the loss of learning that kiddos can experience over summer break when they are no longer being engaged in schoolwork or other academic activities. This slide can be especially evident in the area of reading and spelling. While summer is definitely the time for kiddos to take a “brain break” and spend time playing and being outside, there are some easy (and fun) ways to add learning opportunities into your daily summer routine!

Strategies to Prevent the Summer Slide:

In the Kitchen:

• Use cooking and baking together as a way to practice fractions!

While Playing Outside:

• Write the ABCs in random places using sidewalk chalk and throw a rock/bean bag at each letter, calling out the sounds as you go

• Use the above ABCs to have kiddos “jump” to the letters to spell easy words

• Create a scavenger hunt where kiddos have to find objects that start with the letter of the alphabet

• If you have a trampoline, call out a word and have kiddos “bounce” for each syllable of that word

• Find a “Little Library” near you using this site and pick out (and leave!) a book https://littlefreelibrary.org/map/ 

During a Family Game Night:

• In the clinic, we use a variety of games to practice cognitive skills! A list of games we use are:

• Uno

• Spot it!

• Last Letter

• Blink! 

• Explore classics for spelling:

• Scrabble

• Bananagrams

When You’re Traveling:

• Before leaving, make a countdown! Practice counting or basic math problems (addition and subtraction) with the days left until your trip! 

• In the car, make a game of finding words (or pictures) on signs that start with each letter of the alphabet 

• Listen to an audiobook and then answer some comprehension questions! Use questions like:

• Who is the main character in the story? Who are the other characters?

• What problem did the main character face? Have you ever experienced something similar?

• What do you think may happen next in the story?

• Did you like that story? Why or why not?

• Try and find as many different license plates as possible from the different states

• At the beach? Practice handwriting in the sand!

At Bedtime: 

• Read a book together and use the questions from above to discuss the story!

• Talk about your day-the good, the bad, the plan for tomorrow! 

The summer slide may be a common concern, but with the right approach, you can help your child maintain and even strengthen their academic skills during the summer months. By incorporating daily reading, hands-on activities, and a little creativity, you can turn the summer break into a time of continued growth and exploration for your child. I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to keep learning alive at home this summer! If you need a hand with this, let Wilson help you! We’d love to be a part of your kiddo’s learning journey!