What is the summer slide?

“Summer slide” is the term used to explain how a student can lose skills they learned during the school year over the summer months.  Doesn’t sound as fun as you expected right?  

Multiple researchers have studied this phenomenon and have found that students can lose 20-30% of school year gains over summer vacation AND that this can have a “snowball effect” meaning that these losses build on each other every year.

So what can you do?  

Keep kids learning over the summer!  Try a combination of structured and unstructured learning activities.  Structured activities can include reading books, working through math problems, online learning games, or direct tutoring instruction.  Unstructured activities could include cooking (reading recipes and measuring ingredients), going on a nature walk (take notes, describe and count objects), or playing a game that promotes language, math, and/or reading skills (Scattergories, Cribbage, Shut the Box).

If your child has more of a gap to close you may consider enrollment in a structured intervention program.  Our Summer Learning Academy here at Hyperion Language and Learning Services is an example of one program available in the Southern Maine area.  Please reach out for a free consultation if you would like to learn more about our services.

Whatever path you choose, the key is to keep kids learning, imagining, and playing.  By finding the balance your child can avoid riding the summer slide!  Let us know if we can help!



​

Schedule a free consultation