How to Prevent the “Summer Slide”

Summer is a much needed break for teachers, students and parents – but sometimes when the inertia of classwork ceases, so can students’ exposure to educational resources. Here are some ideas to minimize the “summer slide.”

#1. Turn on captions. Screen time often increases during summer break – but there’s a way your child can practice their reading skill while doing so. Turning on the closed captioning during TV or movie time can be a wonderful tool to allow your child to practice recognizing written words and to improve their reading speed. Captions can be especially helpful for struggling readers and English language learners.

#2. Learn new words together. Build vocabulary and create a fun way to celebrate (like a wiggle and a giggle) every time you hear the word of the day.

#3. Visit the library. A simple walk to the library provides so many options. Many libraries have reading clubs, homework help and other activities set up for youth during the summer months. From audiobooks to dog-friendly hiking guides, there is a lot to explore without ever leaving the library. See if you can spot any RedRover recommended books, and keep the reading up all summer long!

#4. Geocaching. Like scavenger hunts? Try Geocaching. Geocaching is an activity that requires participants to search for hidden objects and prizes using GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates. It teaches children how to read coordinates — and it can be fun to take the dogs along to see what you can find together! Once you find a hidden object, it’s suggested you log your name in the log book that is usually provided and take a prize – while leaving a prize of your own.

#5. Design an animal preference test. Are you curious to find out how people understand what animals like to do? We have included an activity worksheet to explain how people create animal preference tests. Can you come up with one of your own for the animals and/or people in your life? Use this worksheet to discuss how you might come up with your own hypothesis.