Preventing the Summer Slide: How to Keep Your Child on Track Over Break
Summer is a well-deserved break for students — but without a little structure, it can also become a setback.
The “summer slide” is the term educators use to describe the learning loss many students experience over summer vacation. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of math skills and fall behind in reading if they go the entire summer without academic practice.
At Tutors & Friends, we believe summer should be fun and enriching. With a little planning, you can help your child return to school feeling confident, prepared, and ahead of the curve.
What Is the Summer Slide?
Just like athletes lose endurance without regular practice, students lose academic sharpness when their brains aren’t engaged. This is especially true in:
Math, which builds sequentially — gaps can widen quickly
Reading, where fluency and comprehension depend on regular exposure
Test prep, where consistency matters for long-term score gains
The good news? It’s preventable.
4 Ways to Keep Learning Alive This Summer
✅ 1. Keep a Light Academic Routine
Just 2–3 hours of focused academic time per week can make a huge difference.
Try reviewing last year’s math topics, assigning a new book each month, or using printable study guides to reinforce what they’ve already learned.
✅ 2. Explore Interest-Based Learning
Encourage your child to follow their curiosity:
Watch documentaries or explore virtual museum tours
Try creative activities like coding, journaling, or photography
Build a DIY project that includes real-world math or science applications
✅ 3. Use Tools Designed for Summer
Keep things low-stress and engaging with:
Khan Academy for review and practice
Newsela for reading comprehension and current events
Lumen Learning or IXL for skills-based review
✅ 4. Enroll in a Summer Bridge Program
A structured program ensures your child gets consistent support.
Our Summer Bridge Program pairs students with a dedicated tutor who helps them review last year’s material, preview next year’s curriculum, and strengthen study habits — all at a relaxed summer pace.
Sessions are one-on-one and completely tailored to your child’s needs, with online and in-person options available.
Why It Matters
Start the school year with confidence, not catch-up
Avoid the stress of forgotten skills and low test scores
Build long-term learning momentum that lasts beyond the summer
Want Help Getting Started?
Our team at Tutors & Friends is here to support your family with personalized, effective tutoring all summer long.
