School’s out, and so is writing, reading, and math, right? Not quite, especially if you want to avoid the summer slide – and we’re not talking about the latest attraction at the water park. The summer slide is a regression in the skills students learned over the previous school year.
“While summer break is a much-needed pause to relax, recharge, and enjoy life at a slower pace, it’s not a reason to put good educational habits on the backburner,” said Kim Diamico, a clinician in Catholic Charities’ School Based Services Department. “With a few intentional habits, summer can be a powerful time for growth, discovery, and preparation for the upcoming school year.”
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, here are some practical ways to avoid the summer slide – without sacrificing fun and relaxation:
Read, Read, Read! Reading is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay mentally active during the summer. The first step is to find reading material that matches your child’s interest. Chapter books, novels, comics, magazines, blogs – the ideas and options are endless. Even 20 minutes a day can make a big difference in strengthening comprehension, vocabulary, focus, and mental stimulation. Tip to try: Visit your local library and create a summer reading list together!
Keep Writing. Writing encourages reflection, self-expression, and creativity. A summer journal, blog, or short creative stories all count, and what matters most is consistency, not perfection. The goal is to keep the muscle moving. Tip to try: Write weekly or daily reflections – highlight the fun, positive, or new experiences that happened and things you did. Looking to be more creative? Put on your best author’s hat and write micro short stories of 500 words or less.
Set Summer Goals. Goal-setting fosters motivation and a sense of progress. Whether it’s reading five new books, practicing math a couple times a week, or learning a new recipe or craft, these small, consistent efforts can lead to big gains. Write down your goals and track progress with a calendar or journal. Tip to try: Involve your child in real-life learning opportunities such as calculating measurements while cooking, planning a budget for summer outings, or planning weekly meals and preparing a grocery list of required ingredients.
Explore Beyond Academics. Learning isn’t limited to textbooks. Summer is a great time to explore personal interests and real-world experiences. Visit a museum, try a DIY project, watch educational videos on a topic of curiosity, or simply go outside and observe plants, bugs, and birds. When students take ownership of their learning, they become more engaged and self-motivated. Ask your child what they’re curious about and start there! Tip to try: Plan a visit to a local museum or botanical garden, a nature walk with a field guide, or grab some popcorn and do a YouTube deep-dive on topics they love.
Find a Balanced Routine. While summer often has a more relaxed pace, a loose routine helps maintain momentum and keep everyone on track. A flexible schedule that includes time for reading, rest, physical activity, and fun keeps the brain engaged without overwhelming the day. Tip to try: Designate a specific time each day for reading, crafting, journaling.
“Adding a little purpose to your summer – beyond rest and relaxation – is a great way to take care of your overall wellness. Tasks and activities that are mentally engaging are just as important as movement and exercise,” Diamico said. “Focusing on taking care of your total self is really an opportunity for impressive growth. The more a student pours into themselves over the summer, the more prepared and confident they’ll feel heading into the new school year.”
To learn more about Catholic Charities’ in-school services, please click here.
