After a busy school year, every child deserves a holiday. Summer is a time for family, friends, adventures, and making memories. But while children are taking a well-earned break from the classroom, it’s important that they don’t take a break from learning altogether.
If you are looking for simple ways to keep kids learning over the summer, here are our top three everyday strategies:
- Read together for 15 to 20 minutes every day.
- Encourage daily English conversations by asking open questions.
- Turn ordinary family activities, like cooking, walking, or playing games, into learning opportunities.
At Saint Andrew’s, the “summer slide” is an even bigger challenge than it is in many schools. We are an International British School in Tenerife and our pupils learn through English, so a long period without hearing, speaking, reading, or writing the language can make it harder for them to settle back into school in September. That’s one of the reasons we stay open throughout July, giving children the chance to have fun while continuing to develop their English.
So, what about August?
The good news is that helping children maintain their learning doesn’t mean sitting them down with textbooks or worksheets every day. In fact, some of the best learning happens through everyday family life.
How Can Daily Reading Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss?
Just 15 to 20 minutes of reading each day can make a huge difference. Let your child choose books that interest them, whether they’re adventure stories, funny books, animal facts, or comics. Read aloud together, take turns reading, or simply chat about the story afterwards. Every conversation helps build vocabulary and understanding.
Why Is Daily English Conversation Important for Language Retention?
Children learn language by using it. Encourage them to speak English every day, even if it’s only for part of the day. Ask open questions:
- What was the best part of your day?
- How would you describe this place?
- What do you think will happen next?
There are no marks or tests—just lots of opportunities to practise speaking confidently.
How Can You Turn Everyday Family Activities Into Learning?
You don’t need expensive resources. Ordinary family activities are full of learning opportunities.
- Cook together and let children measure ingredients, count, and follow recipes.
- Go for a walk and spot different plants, insects, birds, or clouds.
- Visit a beach, park, museum, or local town and encourage children to ask questions about what they see.
- Play board games, card games, or simple word games that involve thinking, taking turns, and talking.
Above all, don’t try to recreate school at home. The aim is to keep children’s curiosity alive, encourage them to use their English naturally, and remind them that learning can be enjoyable.
A little practice each day goes a long way. When September arrives, children who have continued reading, talking, exploring, and playing are much more likely to return feeling confident, ready to reconnect with their friends, and excited for another year of learning.
We wish all our Saint Andrew’s families a wonderful August filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to learn together.