Summer is an exciting time for children, but it can also impact their academic progress. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of reading and math skills during summer break, a phenomenon known as "Summer Slide." The good news is that with some simple, consistent activities, you can help your child maintain and even enhance their learning during the summer months.

The power of daily reading
Reading is the foundation of academic success and one of the most effective ways to prevent summer learning loss. We encourage setting aside 20-30 minutes each day for reading activities that your child enjoys, whether it's exploring picture books, diving into novels, or discovering interesting articles in magazines.

Families can access extensive collection of physical and digital books through Tacoma Public Library and through Tacoma’s digital library, Sora. Learn how to access those free resources.  Learn about the summer reading program Sora Sweet Reads. 

Microsoft’s Reading Coach is now available as a free, AI-powered tool that helps students build reading fluency at their own pace. Whether at home or on the go, learners can receive real-time feedback on pronunciation, syllables, and reading progress. With features like reading streak rewards, customizable passages, and multilingual support, Reading Coach makes reading practice engaging and inclusive for all learners, even during summer. To get started, students go to https://coach.microsoft.com/webapp and log in with their district Microsoft account.

Personalized online learning journey
Your child has a valuable opportunity to continue their academic growth through iReady MyPath, available through Clever. This personalized learning platform offers targeted reading and math lessons based on your child's spring assessment results. We recommend alternating between math and reading lessons, spending about 30 minutes each day on these engaging activities that are specifically designed to address your child's learning needs.

Enriching community experiences
Tacoma offers numerous opportunities for experiential learning that can significantly enhance your child's vocabulary and background knowledge. Consider visiting the Point Defiance Zoo, The Museum of Glass, or the Pierce College Planetarium. Many of these venues offer monthly free admission days, making them accessible to all families. During these visits, engage your child in meaningful conversations about their observations, introduce new vocabulary words, and help them make connections to what they're learning in school.

Making it work for your family
The key to preventing summer learning loss is consistency rather than intensity. We recommend creating a flexible schedule that works for your family, aiming for learning activities 3-4 days per week. This balanced approach helps maintain academic skills while still allowing plenty of time for summer fun and relaxation. Remember that even short periods of engaged learning can make a significant difference in your child's academic success when they return to school in the fall.