Stop the Summer Slide: Simple ways to keep elementary aged kids learning all summer 

You can see it as a teacher when students walk back into the classroom in the fall. The confident rhythm they had in May is gone. Kids forget how to decode simple words, form letters, and add and subtract with ease. It’s most evident in kindergarten through third grade when foundational reading, writing, and math skills are still developing. For struggling students, summer break doesn’t just pause learning. It sets them back. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills over the summer. Fortunately, parents and caregivers can take simple, consistent steps to prevent that summer slide and even help their children make gains before school starts again. 

One of the most painful parts of the summer slide is watching a child’s confidence erode. A student who was finally reading fluently at the end of the year comes back hesitant, unsure of themselves, and easily frustrated. They know something feels different. They know they used to be better at this. This hits especially hard in K–3, where confidence is everything. These are the years students decide if they see themselves as “good readers” or “bad at math.” Losing progress over the summer can push struggling students deeper into that fixed mindset, making it harder for them to engage when school starts back up. From a teacher’s perspective, worksheets and flashcards aren’t the answer. What really helps kids hold on to their learning is simple, consistent, and embedded into daily life. 

Make Reading a Daily Habit 

Reading daily is essential to keep young minds active during the summer and it helps stop the summer slide. Kids in K–3 are still learning to read and developing vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Without regular practice, their progress can stall. Set a daily reading time of 15 to 30 minutes, depending on age and attention span. Let kids choose books that interest them. Graphic novels, nonfiction, picture books, and even magazines are all valid options. Read aloud together, even if your child can read independently. Hearing fluent reading models good pacing, tone, and vocabulary. Use your local library’s summer reading program as extra motivation. Most offer incentives for reading milestones. 

Make Math Real

Math skills also take a hit over the summer if not reinforced. The key is to make math part of everyday activities so it doesn’t feel like schoolwork. Involve kids in cooking to practice measuring, fractions, and time. Count money and make change during store visits. Play board games and card games that involve numbers, patterns, or strategy like Uno, Yahtzee, or Monopoly Junior. Have your child track something over time, like the weather, their daily reading minutes, or how many days until a vacation. These small moments build number sense and help kids retain what they’ve learned. 

Make Writing Part of Play

Writing can easily be woven into summer fun. Instead of assigning formal writing tasks, look for ways to encourage kids to write for real purposes. Have them keep a simple journal of their summer activities. Encourage letter writing to family or friends. Then, actually mail it to add excitement. Suggest writing stories or comic strips, especially if they’re interested in drawing. Let kids help with grocery lists or to-do lists to practice practical writing. Kids often view writing as a chore, but making it part of something meaningful helps it stick. 

Use Educational Apps Sparingly 

A little screen time with the right tools can reinforce learning. Many high-quality apps offer engaging practice in reading and math. For reading, try Epic!, Raz-Kids, or Teach Your Monster to Read. For math, try Prodigy, Khan Academy Kids, or Moose Math. Limit app use to short daily sessions and treat it as a tool, not a babysitter. Interactive digital learning can be helpful, but it works best when balanced with real-world experiences. 

Routines Make Learning Easy

Kids thrive on structure, even in summer. A completely unstructured day can lead to long stretches of passive screen time and missed learning opportunities. That doesn’t mean turning your home into a classroom, but having a consistent routine can make a difference. Set aside a “learning time” each morning when kids are freshest. Include outdoor play, creative time, and quiet reading time every day. Don’t let bedtime drift too far off schedule. A consistent sleep routine supports memory and focus. Routines make it easier to fit in daily reading and learning, and they give kids a sense of stability. 

Visit Museums, Zoos, and Libraries 

Summer offers a chance for experiential learning. A trip to the museum, zoo, or local nature center can spark curiosity and build background knowledge which is essential for reading comprehension. Before visiting, read a book or watch a short video on the topic. While there, ask questions and talk about what you see. Afterward, encourage your child to draw a picture, write a few sentences, or simply talk about their favorite part. These experiences help connect learning to the real world and can make reading and writing feel more relevant. 

Encourage Curiosity and Conversation 

Conversation builds vocabulary and critical thinking and helps stop the summer slide. During summer, when kids aren’t exposed to as much structured language at school, parents can fill the gap. Ask open-ended questions: “What was the best part of your day?” or “Why do you think that happened?” Talk about books, shows, and nature walks. Use anything that gets them thinking and expressing themselves. Avoid baby talk. Use rich vocabulary and explain new words as they come up. Every conversation is a chance to grow language skills. 

Make It Fun, Not Forced

Summer learning should feel different from the school year. It’s not about drilling worksheets. It’s about keeping minds active through play, discovery, and daily practice. If a child resists an activity, switch it up. Let them take the lead. The goal isn’t to replicate school, but to prevent backsliding by keeping their brains engaged. 

In conclusion, most parents don’t want their kids to lose ground, but many don’t realize how fast skills fade. This is often true, especially for young or struggling learners. We wish more families understood that just a little bit of reading, writing, and thinking every day can prevent months of backtracking. However, perfection is not expected over the summer. We don’t expect lessons or tutors. But we do hope for books, conversations, and opportunities to learn in small ways. Because when fall comes, we want to keep moving forward, not spending the first six weeks climbing back up from where we were. Keep summer fun. It should be a break. But it shouldn’t be a break from learning thoroughly. For struggling students, especially, the summer slide is real, and it’s something teachers see every single year.

With support and structure, families can keep kids learning just enough to hold on to what they’ve worked hard to gain. And when those kids return ready in the fall, it makes all the difference. The payoff will be a smoother transition back to school and a more confident learner in the fall. This summer, try choosing one of these things to focus on. Start small and stay consistent. Your child’s confidence will thank you in the fall.

Janet Griffin is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, retired elementary educator, and avid writer. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of the outdoors, education, and her love of writing with others. Whether exploring the wilderness or spending time with family and beloved dogs, Janet embraces the outdoor lifestyle and inspires others to do the same.