Summer is a welcome break for many families. It’ s a chance to relax, reset, and spend more time together. After a busy school year, children deserve the opportunity to play, explore, and enjoy a slower pace. But while parents eagerly sign their children up for sports camps, swimming lessons, and music classes, it’ s worth asking: where does learning fit into our summer plans?
Just like in sports, where practice keeps players sharp and builds confidence, academic skills also need regular attention. We wouldn’ t expect an athlete to sit out for two months and return at peak performance. Yet academically, that’ s often exactly what we expect of our students.
The reality is that many children experience the phenomenon known as the“ summer slide.” This refers to the learning loss that can occur over the break. Research shows that students may lose up to two months of progress in reading and math. The effects of that slide don’ t just disappear in the fall; academic regression can have a lasting impact, especially when repeated year after year.
The good news? Summer learning doesn’ t have to look like school. In fact, it shouldn’ t. This season offers a unique window for students to review and strengthen core skills, explore new interests, and build confidence without the pressure of tests, fast-moving curriculums, or report cards. Whether it’ s reading each morning, playing educational board games with the family, or working with a tutor a couple of times a week, small, intentional efforts can have a significant impact.
One of the keys to summer learning success is routine. Think of it the same way you would a practice schedule in any sport: consistent, not overwhelming. A bit of structure can go a long way in keeping children engaged, focused, and proud of their progress. It also helps students return to the classroom in September feeling prepared, rather than playing catchup. With a customized learning plan and focused support, students can concentrate on exactly what they need, at a pace that works for them.
At Scholars, we are dedicated to supporting the“ whole student.” Academic success is important, but so is confidence, resilience, and a sense of progress. When learning is part of the summer routine, students don’ t just retain knowledge, they grow in ways that are harder to measure, but just as essential. Whether it’ s catching up, getting ahead, or keeping up momentum from the end of the previous school year, Scholars programs are designed to meet each learner where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
So, as you make your plans for sports, camps, vacations, and sunny days outside in July and August, consider making some time for learning too. The best investment you can make in your child’ s future isn’ t just what they do during the school year, it’ s how much they grow when no one’ s grading them.
Scholars Education, www. scholarsed. com