OPINION: Stop the Slide: How Families Can Curb Summer Learning Loss

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- As a school leader, I see firsthand how much growth students achieve over the course of a school year—progress in reading, math, writing, critical thinking, and confidence. But I also see the challenges many face when they return in the fall. The summer break, while a much-needed time to recharge, can also lead to what is often referred to as the “summer slide”—a decline in academic skills and knowledge during time away from structured learning.

While the extent of summer learning loss varies from student to student, the pattern is real. Many kids come back in August needing to relearn concepts they had previously mastered, particularly in reading and math. And while some students hold steady or even improve during summer break, others lose several months of academic gains.

The good news? It doesn’t take a rigid summer schedule or expensive programs to make a difference. Families can take simple, intentional steps to keep learning alive while still giving kids the downtime they need. Here are a few ways to help your child stay sharp all summer long:

Let curiosity lead the way.
Summer is the perfect time to reignite a child’s natural curiosity. Explore museums, visit your local library, or take nature walks where your child can observe, ask questions, and journal what they see. This prevents academic backsliding and builds independent learning habits that last far beyond the classroom. Learning happens everywhere!

Make reading a daily habit.
Reading is one of the most effective ways to keep minds active. Let your child choose books based on their interests and encourage daily reading time. Whether it’s 15 minutes before bed or a lazy afternoon hour, reading strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills in a low-pressure, enjoyable way. A trip to the library can open doors to new learning exploration and many offer free read a-louds with library staff or even authors!

Tap into community resources.
Many local organizations offer summer programs that blend fun with learning. Look into camps, library reading challenges, or community center events that introduce kids to new topics, peer connections, and a structured environment. These experiences help bridge the gap between school years while building social and emotional skills.

Consider short-term summer courses.
For students who need academic reinforcement or want to explore a new interest, summer school options can be a smart move. Online programs give students the chance to sharpen their skills, discover new passions, or even get ahead—all from the comfort of home and at a flexible pace.

Add learning to play.
Educational games are a great way to sneak in learning through fun. From board games that teach strategy and math to language apps and coding platforms, there are endless ways to challenge your child’s brain while keeping them entertained. Learning doesn’t have to look like school to be impactful. Make it fun!

Keep it simple and consistent.
Preventing summer learning loss doesn’t mean replicating the school day. Even small efforts like a book a week, a science experiment in the kitchen, or a few math games on a tablet can add up. The goal is to maintain momentum, so kids return to school confident and ready to keep progressing. Following a simple recipe in a cookbook or online can sharpen math skills, reading skills, science skills, and even history skills (choose an old recipe and read about its origins!)

At TVAH, we believe learning can happen anywhere. Whether your child is diving into a summer reading list or exploring nature with a notebook in hand, every opportunity to think, question, and explore helps strengthen the foundation for the next school year.

Let’s give our students the best of both worlds this summer: time to recharge, and the chance to keep growing. A little learning goes a long way, and the payoff will show up in the fall.

Mandy Cuellar is the Principal of Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville