Welcome to August, which means for many of you the new school year is FAST approaching! Which also means it is time to address the summer learning loss, often referred to as the “summer slide”. With a few proactive strategies, parents, guardians, and educators can help shake off the remnants of summer learning loss and prepare young minds for a successful 2025/26 school year ahead.
Understanding Summer Learning Loss
Research indicates that students can lose up to two months’ worth of academic progress during the summer break, particularly in reading and math. For many children, this can result in entering the new school year somewhat behind their peers, struggling to catch up to the curriculum’s pace. The primary culprits of this educational backslide often include a marked decrease in reading, limited engagement with educational materials, and reduced opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving, all of which are typically abundant during the school year.
Strategies to SHAKE OFF The Learning Loss
Start now! It does not take long to get the brain muscle back in shape, and to develop some good habits surrounding structure and time management, but it does take motivating.
Start with Cultivating a Growth Mindset.
This psychological framework celebrates effort, resilience, and understanding that abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Parents can encourage this mindset by taking some time to discuss some previous year challenges their children overcame. This instills a belief that setbacks—whether academic or personal—are merely stepping stones to greater learning and growth and gets them excited to start thinking about what’s ahead.
Structured Learning Activities.
To combat the summer slide, start re-introducing structured learning activities. Create schedules that include dedicated time for reading, writing, and math to help ensure that students maintain their skills. Think of this as creating a bridge from the whimsical nature of summer to the focused atmosphere of school. For example, set aside time for writing journal entries about their summer experiences, or work together to create simple math-related games using everyday items. Not only does this nurture skills, but it also enables quality family bonding experiences.
Infuse Learning with Fun.
It’s a new upcoming year, create a new environment to work in! Make a new work space that reflects where your child’s interests lie now. Instead of presenting learning as a chore, consider integrating their favorite parts of the summer or their everyday experiences. Encouraging children to read books that pique their interests, or about places they travelled to in the months prior. Take the last couple weeks before school to engage with them in educational-themed games–they will enjoy having you as part of the learning spirit. Visit museums, zoos, and historical sites to spark curiosity and give them contexts for theri various upcoming subjects like science and history.
Incorporate Technology.
There are countless educational apps and websites designed to reinforce math and literacy skills through interactive games and quizzes. These platforms allow students to learn at their own pace while providing instant feedback—a key element in reinforcing concepts. “Playing” with technology will make them feel like those last couple of weeks are still theirs to have a summer, but is in fact getting them prepped.
Set Some Goals and Communicate.
As summer draws to a close, it can be helpful for students to reflect on their aspirations for the upcoming school year. Engaging children in discussions about their goals, both academically and personally, can lay a motivational foundation as they prepare to step back into the classroom. Encourage them to dream big—whether it’s excelling in a specific subject, joining a new club, or making new friends. By setting objectives and brainstorming actionable steps to achieve them, children can start the school year with a clear direction and renewed enthusiasm.
Finally, fostering open communication between parents, children, and educators can provide a safety net for students as they transition back to school. Attending back-to-school nights, parent-teacher conferences, or even informal check-ins can help parents understand the specific academic and emotional needs of their children.
How We Can Help
Now is the perfect time to get set up with a tutor. Not only does the tutor help with getting back structure and going over last years lessons, but they can start moving forward to get ahead in the new year. Getting a tutor prior to the school year ensures there is already a strong working relationship between tutor and student BEFORE the work starts getting more intense. It also allows you to find a tutor who’s style and hours fit with yours. Tutors fill up their tutoring schedules pretty quickly, starting before the school year is in full swing allows a smoother transition, guarantees continuity of schedule and provides a quick and easy shake off of that summer learning loss!
