Written by Samantha Gadsden, Head of Learning Services
One of the most common concerns from families in the summer months is the dreaded “summer slide.” While the term has gained popularity in the past years, the concept is nothing new. As a parent, you may be wondering what the “summer slide” means for your child, and more importantly, how you can help your child to avoid it.
What Is the Summer Slide?
The “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that can occur during long breaks from school, typically summer. Students spend ten months of the year in a structured academic environment, so when they spend weeks or months away, they may forget some of the skills that had once been automatic. Executive function skills such as organization, focus, prioritization, and emotional regulation can take a hit, as can academic content. This is especially true for foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. Studies show that students can lose between two to three months of academic progress over the summer, particularly in math. This means that when school starts again in the fall, teachers often spend the first several weeks reteaching material from the previous year, just to regain the lost material and skills!
Is the Summer Slide Real?
While the extent of learning loss can vary depending on a student’s age, learning style, and access to resources, the existence of the summer slide is well researched and documented. Students who don’t engage in any form of structured learning over the summer are more likely to fall behind. And for students who already struggle with executive function skills (such as planning, organization, or task initiation) the effects can be even more pronounced. But it’s not all doom and gloom! The good news is that the summer slide is not inevitable. With the right strategies and support, students can maintain (and even strengthen!) their skills over the summer months.
How to Prevent the Summer Slide
Preventing summer learning loss doesn’t mean recreating the school day at home (please do not do that!). In fact, some of the most effective strategies are simple, flexible, and even fun. Here are six ways to support your child’s learning while still giving them time to relax and recharge:
- Keep a Routine (But Make It Summer-Friendly): A predictable daily rhythm can be especially helpful for students with executive functioning challenges, providing a sense of stability and structure. While summer often brings a more relaxed and variable schedule, there are still plenty of opportunities to maintain routines. Morning and evening habits, household chores, and even preparations for camp or a day at the beach can offer valuable moments of consistency, and reduce chaos!
- Encourage Reading for Pleasure: Reading is one of the most powerful tools for preventing learning loss. Let your child choose books that interest them, whether it’s graphic novels, biographies, or fantasy. Even magazines count! Logging hours in the car? Audiobooks can be an excellent way to improve reading skills on the go and make the hours fly by.
- Take Advantage of Summer Work: If your child has summer reading, a math packet, or any kind of assigned work, make the most of it. Instead of rushing through the tasks just to check them off, use them as opportunities to build skills. Try buddy reading the book together, or turn math flashcards into a game. Even something as simple as planning out when and how to tackle the assignments can be a great way to strengthen executive function skills like time management and organization. If your child works with a tutor or learning coach, summer assignments can be a great way to guide and structure their sessions together.
- Build Math into Everyday Life: Math practice doesn’t have to come from worksheets. Cooking, budgeting, planning trips, or even measuring for DIY projects are great ways to keep math skills sharp in real-world contexts. If you are looking for something more structured, there are a myriad of workbooks and online resources to practice math skills.
- Practice Executive Function Skills: Summer is the perfect time to build independence and responsibility. Have your child help plan a family outing, pack for a trip, or set goals for a creative project. Are the days feeling long and dragging on? Encourage your child to create a daily schedule and then stick to it. These activities strengthen planning, time management, and self-monitoring, which just happen to be critical executive function skills.
- Consider Calling in an Expert: Some students benefit from structured support during the summer. This might include tutoring, or executive function coaching tailored to their individual needs. Even a few summer sessions can make a significant difference in maintaining momentum and boosting confidence, allowing your child to hit the ground running in the fall.
How to Prevent the Summer Slide
Yes, the summer slide is real, but with the right balance of structure, support, and play, summer can be a time of growth. If you’re concerned about your child’s progress or want guidance on creating a personalized plan for summer learning, Sasco River Center's Executive Function Coaching team is here for you, offering in-person support at our Darien, Connecticut location, or virtually. Contact us today to learn more!