Summer learning: keeping skills sharp without overloading your child
Get tutoring help for your child →Many parents worry that their child will forget school learning over the summer. Research on the size of “summer slide” is mixed, but children who keep reading and practicing over the break generally start the new year more confident. Summer is also a good time to fix a gap without the pressure of a full school schedule.
What to aim for
- Keep reading. Regular reading of books your child chooses is one of the simplest ways to stay sharp.
- Keep math facts fresh. A few minutes of practice several times a week helps.
- Fix one gap. If a report card pointed to a specific weakness, summer is the time to work on it.
- Preview next year. For a student moving into a demanding course, a short preview can ease the start.
Making summer tutoring work
- Set a short, specific goal for the summer.
- Choose a schedule around camps and vacations that you can keep for several weeks.
- Keep sessions shorter and lighter than during the school year.
- Ask the tutor for a short note your child can share with their new teacher.
Want someone to look at your child’s situation? Answer three quick questions and we’ll be in touch.
Free options
- Public library summer reading programs.
- Summer programs run by schools or community organizations.
Planning ahead for summer?
Tell us your child’s grade, ZIP code and the subject that feels hardest. Wherever you live in the U.S., we’ll search for a tutoring provider near you. Families near Bay Ridge, Brooklyn can connect with Huntington Learning Center.
Start the questionnaireRelated guides
- How much tutoring does a child need?
- Reading tutoring: choosing support and preparing for the first conversation
- Math tutoring: what to ask at each school stage
- All parent guides