How to Fight Summer Backslide in your Kids

Are you looking for some ways to keep your students or children learning this summer? In the summer, it is good to switch up the routine a little bit and have a good stretch of relaxing. However, as a mom, I do not like seeing my four kiddos lying around playing video games all day each day! I also find a bit of structure is needed. So, I have a list of things my kids do each day. I find that giving them responsibility makes our summer go much smoother. I also find that having some structure and routine prevents my kids from the infamous summer backslide. No one wants to see their children forget the hard work they have just learned in reading, writing, math, and language. 

Here is how I add in structure a bit to our day

Today I want to share with you some ways to fight the summer backslide. 

1. A Summer Review

I decided two summers ago that I wanted my children to have some sort of daily review of the skills that they had worked on all year in school. I wanted a short (no more than 10-15 minutes) worksheet. So I went ahead and created my own "Summer to Third" and "Summer to Fourth" packs. The entire packet is available to you. 

2. A Summer Reading Program

There are tons of great opportunities to keep you kids reading in your community. The easiest place to start is your local library. My kids and I try to go at least every other week. We have also discovered audio books. This has been great for my older ones who enjoy listening to reading. 

If your local library does not have a summer reading program and you are near Barnes and Noble, there is another option for you. Bookadventure.com has an amazing free program. It is available all year long, however, we mostly use it in the summer. 

3. Fun Educational Trips

Taking into account your children's interests and ages, you can give your children some amazing educational experiences. Check out local museums, library education programs, zoos, aquariums, or explore nature near your local parks. There are so many opportunities out there to keep our kids learning and still have fun!