Preventing Learning Loss During the Summer: Suggestions for Parents

Scripture: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

We have reached the midpoint of the year, and summer is well underway. Many parents are focused on helping their children recharge and prepare for the upcoming school year. Research shows that students may lose 1–3 months of learning during summer break if they are not engaged in meaningful activities. However, even small or moderate learning opportunities can significantly improve overall achievement when maintained throughout the summer. The following suggestions are designed to engage learners of all ages. For more summer enrichment opportunities, contact your local school district or the Department of Education.

Suggestion for All Learners

Read Daily – Encourage students to read for at least 20 minutes each day. Allow them to choose from books, magazines, or educational websites to help prevent summer learning loss. Create a Schedule to Visit the Library and Read/Explore Library Programs Weekly – The local library is a great resource for all learners to increase their skill development during the summer break. Schedule regular library visits to support skill development. Libraries often offer monthly calendars with special programs and activities for all ages.

Limit Screen Time – Monitor screen use, as summer often brings more free time. Encourage a variety of online educational activities, such as games, coding, documentaries, and self-paced courses.

Listen to Educational Podcasts – Introduce students to educational podcasts, such as Wow in the World, a Million Bazillion, The Story Seed Podcast, Radio Lab, and Stuff You Should Know. These resources offer engaging, non-traditional learning activities and can spark meaningful discussions.

Early Learners

Spend time with young children practicing counting, sorting, and identifying shapes in everyday items. Activities like the ‘I Spy Game’ or nature walks help develop gross motor skills. Use board games and alphabet puzzles to build fine motor skills, and encourage drawing or cutting with age-appropriate scissors.

Elementary School

Encourage elementary school students to read independently at or above their reading level to challenge their thinking and build skills. Summer is also ideal for fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. Suggest projects like gardening, starting a small business, or community service. These activities integrate core subjects and provide valuable hands-on experience.Upper Middle School and High School.

Encourage middle and high school students to use free resources like Khan Academy for online learning in core subjects, enrichment, or acceleration. Khan Academy offers courses for grades Kindergarten through College, as well as practice tests for SAT, ACT, LSAT, and MCAT. Summer is also a good time to introduce budgeting and finance using websites such as Banzai and HandsOn Banking.

Final Thoughts

Summer offers valuable opportunities for students of all ages. Intentional use of time helps families engage meaningfully, address academic needs, and prevent learning loss. Consider setting aside a ‘learning hour’ for the family to participate in educational activities together. Allowing children to choose their activities increases engagement and skill retention. Make learning more enjoyable by using community resources such as museums, historical sites, and parks. Recognize achievements with small rewards and celebrate your child’s growth and accomplishments throughout the summer.

Resources

Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/ Wow in the World - https://tinkercast.com/all-podcasts/wow-inthe-world/ A Million Bazillion - https://tinkercast.com/all-podcasts/wow-inthe-world/ Story Seed Podcasting - https://www.storyseedspodcast.com/ Discovery Education - https://www.discoveryeducation.com/ Starfall - https://www.starfall.com/h/ IXL - https://www.ixl.com/

Written By:

Faith Wearing Arthur, is a proficient and skilled academician in K-12 Educational Leadership. She serves as the district counseling coordinator and curriculum specialist, providing valuable guidance and career development to students. She is also the Chief Executive Officer at FaithWorks Foundation - an organization committed to promoting and facilitating academic excellence.
wearingeducator@gmail.com