School’s Out for Summer

Make summer learning fun to help keep kids sharp and ready for the next school year.

It’s summertime and the living is easy. Lazy, homework-free days spent at the pool or beach likely sound like a dream to parents and kids alike. No late-night tears over assignments that should’ve been completed right after school, no frantically trying to find a forgotten textbook, and no trying to catch the bus.

But the reality is, limiting learning strictly to the school year puts kids at risk of a “summer slide” (and not the fun kind at the park).

To ensure children’s hard work during the year doesn’t go to waste, it’s a good idea to keep them learning even when school’s out.

History of Summer Vacation

In the late 1800s, many schools were open 240-250 days a year. In rural America, schools met year-round, with a spring and fall break for crop planting and harvesting seasons. So why is a three-month summer break the standard today?

As it turns out, there are social, economic, and practical reasons behind this. Before air conditioning, big cities ended up shutting their schools’ doors because it was simply too hot. It also became common in cities for upper-class (and, later, middle-class) families to flee the heat and head for cooler lakes and beaches.

By the late 19th century, social reformers were clamoring for a standardized school year across American public schools, and summer vacation was born.

Source: PBS, “How Schools’ Long Summer Breaks Started, Why Some Want the Vacation Cut Short,” 8/12/24.

The Summer Slide

The summer slide is the distinct learning loss that students may experience during their summer break. Once students leave the structure and consistency of their classrooms, many lose significant knowledge in reading and math, which can snowball if they slide each year. The loss of academic gains made during the school year can really set students back relative to their peers.

Students who don’t practice any form of continuing education during the summer lose, on average, between 25-30% of their school-year learning.¹ These declines are typically more pronounced in math than in reading, though both areas of study are impacted, and the extent of the loss is larger in higher grades.¹

As a result, much time is spent re-learning old concepts during the school year, potentially making for a repetitive curriculum. The estimated annual cost of re-teaching material is up to $1,500 per student per year—more than $18,000 over the course of a K-12 academic career.²

The good news is that parents can help support their students’ learning needs over the summer—while still making the most of summer vacation.

Summer Learning Should Be Fun

Carrying learning through the summer improves school attachment, motivation, and relationships. It keeps students fresh and helps keep them in an academic mindset over their break. No matter how parents choose to pursue education with their children, keeping learning top of mind over the summer can improve the quality of education during the school year.

Here are 10 ideas to keep kids engaged over the summer and to set them up for success—academic and otherwise:

History of Summer Vacation

By the late 19th century, social reformers were clamoring for a standardized school year across American public schools, and summer vacation was born.

Source: PBS, “How Schools’ Long Summer Breaks Started, Why Some Want the Vacation Cut Short,” 8/12/24.

Consider summer camps
Enrolling students in summer camps can provide structure and engaging activities that promote learning. And, as an added bonus, kids will benefit from socializing with their peers. Summer-camp programs come in various formats, such as sleepaway, daily, and weeklong camps, and focus on different specialties, including sports, arts, STEAM, and adventure.
Plan educational outings
Plan short visits to museums, science centers, historical sites, and nature reserves. To encourage interest, set some time aside to learn something about the destination beforehand. For example, read a book or watch a YouTube video about an exhibit’s subject, discuss the historical significance of a site, or learn about the trees or animals that might inhabit the nature reserve.
Learn about animals
Spend a day at the zoo, an aquarium, or an educational farm. Discuss the animals, their habitats, and behaviors. A farm may also offer the opportunity to learn about food production and how plants grow. Encourage curiosity by asking open-ended questions throughout the trip.
Get their nose in a book
Make it a priority to keep kids reading over the summer. Turn reading into a daily habit by reading aloud and encouraging independent reading. Lead by example by spending some time reading around them. Audiobooks and graphic novels count, too—both can be excellent tools to help kids enhance literacy, listening, and visual skills. To add to the excitement, consider taking a trip to the bookstore or library together. Exploring new titles can be a fun way to discover new books.
Don’t overlook other library resources

Local libraries often offer more summer programming beyond what’s on their shelves. Check out the library for summer reading challenges; storytimes; crafts, STEAM, and writing programs; outdoor events; and more. While the local library likely offers online resources, larger or national libraries could be another good option to explore.
Have them teach you something
Ask your kids to teach you something. Whether it’s how to make a friendship bracelet, play soccer, or play a new board game, having kids share their knowledge helps to reinforce it. It also encourages critical thinking, strengthens communication skills, and builds confidence.
Practice real-life math
Slide some math into summer break by making use of real-world examples. Have kids tag along to the grocery store and challenge younger ones to help find the most cost-effective deal on a particular item. Talk about how coupons work, or work together on shopping on a budget. Help them make plans for their allowance or even help them open a savings account.
Dust off your chef hat
Getting kids in the kitchen is a great way to practice multiple skills: reading a recipe, following directions, measuring ingredients, and doubling or halving a recipe. Choose kid-friendly recipes and something they’ll be willing to eat. Keep it easy and remember that even messes can be a learning opportunity.
Get involved in the community
Volunteering can be a great way for kids to learn and grow over the summer, as well as an opportunity to give back. It provides hands-on experience in different fields and can develop various skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Volunteering may also help kids learn about social issues in local communities and foster a sense of empathy.
Leverage screentime
While parents are usually trying to get kids off their screens, there are platforms and apps that are educationally focused and don’t feel like school. Seek out digital resources that use games, videos, and activities to make learning fun and engaging.

Summer learning doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Many enriching activities can be done with little or no cost, with just a bit of creativity and resourcefulness. Look for free community events, discounted museum or zoo tickets, or even check with your local library—many offer free passes to local attractions and activities. By making education a part of summer plans, students will be ready to hit the ground running when school starts again.

¹ Brookings, "Summer Learning Loss: What Is It, and What Can We Do About It?," 9/14/17. Most recent data available.

² Forbes, "Stop The Costly 'Summer Slide.' Turn Your Kid Into A Summer Entrepreneur," 6/18/17. Most recent data available.

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