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MindSwitch Mondays #76: The Summer Slide
One of the most common questions I get from parents is, “Will my kid fall behind if I don’t keep them engaged in academics during summer?”
Children need to have a break and enjoy their summer vacation. But the first thought that pops into my head is mindswitching from thinking that we need to keep our kids engaged in academics, to thinking about continuous learning.
The Summer Slide is real.
The summer slide refers to the tendency for students to lose some of their academic progress over the summer break when they are not actively engaged in learning. It's like a little dip in their learning journey.
A shocking 78% of students in the elementary grades lost ground in math and 73% in reading. The study also found that the most important factor in determining whether a student would progress or lose ground during the summer was their progress during the previous school year.
This means that the more they learn during the school year, the more they forget during summer.
What!
These findings only raise questions about the usual explanations for summer learning loss. Because, as a parent, I want them to learn as much as they can during the school year.
So, this leads me to revisit Sal Khan’s book The One World School House. In ch. 18, Khan explains that what we call “learning” directly correlates with the creation of proteins and the construction of new neural pathways in the brain. The more repetition, the stronger those pathways become. So as soon as we pause learning and kids start summer vacation, unlearning immediately happens.
Here’s the thing, we tend to see learning as something we pour onto our kids. But real learning comes from the experiences we live through, the projects we engage in, the conversations we have, the activities we do, and the problems we solve.
Real learning is about much more than memorizing facts or getting good grades. It's a lifelong process of gaining knowledge, skills, and understanding that goes beyond the classroom.
Real learning involves curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply what you've learned in practical situations. It's about exploring new ideas, making connections, and developing a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Real learning empowers individuals to think independently, ask meaningful questions, and pursue their passions.
Real learning equips us with the tools and mindset to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.
While summer learning loss is common, it’s not inevitable.
How can we support our kids in turning the summer slide into a ladder to grow in skills and continue learning?
- Make learning fun. Find interactive and enjoyable ways to explore educational topics. This could involve educational games, puzzles, science experiments, or visits to museums or libraries.
- Support their interests. Find ways to incorporate learning into your child’s hobbies and passions. You can find cooking classes and involve them in meal planning and measuring ingredients.
- Create a structured routine. Ask your kids what they want to practice during summer, and set a specific time to work on it. This could include reading, writing, or working on math problems.
- Encourage reading. Set goals for your child's reading and give them books that match their age and interests. You can think about joining a summer reading program or creating a special time for the whole family to read together.
- Make screen time educational. Use educational apps, online learning platforms, or educational videos to supplement their learning.
Livada Enrichment planner can assist you in planning for your kid’s summer. We built a summer feature to turn that summer slide into a ladder. You can explore the online enrichment activities, apps, courses, and programs to keep your child learning and having fun!
Get free access to the tool using this link. (This is not an affiliate link or a promotional ad. I co-founded Livada to help solve this problem for parents like you and me. I genuinely want you to make the best of the summertime for your kids!)
Have fun planning for the summer.
Thank you for reading!
Cheers!
Alexandra
From MindSwitch Education
P.S I'm taking a break from writing to spend quality time with my kids during their summer break. I've got three awesome books on the future of Education lined up to read, and I can't wait to share all the cool discoveries and tips with you on how we can support our kids in this exciting educational journey. Hang tight, and I'll catch up with you real soon!
Follow me on my social media adventures as education evolves!
Hi! I'm Alexandra
Want to raise confident, curious, and resilient kids? Get expert insights, practical tips, and real strategies delivered straight to your inbox! Plus, join my book club on The Anxious Generation to dive deeper into how technology is shaping childhood—and what we can do about it.Understand how kids learn best. Create the right conditions for growth—anywhere. Stay ahead in the digital age of parenting. Subscribe now! Just enter your email, check your inbox, and hit CONFIRM. Let’s redefine parenting—together!
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