As the school year winds down, experts are sounding the alarm on the "summer slide," a phenomenon where children lose academic ground over summer break.
According to a 2020 study from the American Educational Research Association, more than half of U.S. students experience learning losses year after year, with some losing up to a third of their progress in math and reading during vacation.
Before you panic or start assigning flashcards, "Good Morning America" turned to parenting expert Ericka Souter for simple, creative ways to sneak learning into everyday moments, all while keeping summer fun.
Here are her top tips.
Lemonade stands are more than just cute, they're full of math practice opportunities. Kids can count change, track expenses and even calculate profit. For a rainy-day option, pull out a math workbook and reward progress with small treats or screen time.
You can also involve your child in the kitchen and double a recipe together. Doubling ingredients requires multiplication, measurement skills and reading comprehension, plus you get cookies out of it.
Additionally, try turning your family road trip into a geography lesson. Point out state lines, track your route on a map, and ask questions like, "What direction are we heading?" or "Which state borders us next?"
Instead of banning screens, shape how they're used. Souter recommends allowing screen time after reading to create positive routines.
Look for educational apps and games that reinforce math, science, or language skills. Bonus points for anything that gets kids thinking creatively.
'Maycember' is real: Here's how parents are surviving the chaosFinally, embrace boredom.
Souter says boredom is a secret weapon. that helps foster problem-solving and creativity, giving kids the space to invent their own games or stories.
