How to Prevent Summer Slide

Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, pool days, popsicles—and if we’re being real—trying to keep little ones entertained while also making sure they don’t forget everything they learned during the school year! This is known as the dreaded summer slide. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! With just a little bit of intention (and the right resources), keeping your child engaged, learning, and having fun all summer long is easier than you think!

What is Summer Slide?

“Summer slide” refers to the learning loss that can happen when young kids take a break from regular learning routines during the summer months. And while taking time to relax is 100% needed, research shows that many children—especially those in preschool and early elementary years—can actually lose important skills if they go too long without regular practice. For young learners, that might mean forgetting letter sounds, number recognition, or handwriting basics that they worked so hard to master all year long.

During the school year, kids build skills gradually, with each new concept stacking on the last. But when key pieces are forgotten over the summer, it can be hard for young learners to jump back in. Instead of starting fresh with new material, they often have to backtrack and relearn foundational skills—making it tougher to move forward with confidence. 

We’re here to help make sure that doesn’t happen—without the dreaded, boring summer worksheets. Our goal? Fun, engaging activities that feel more like play than work, while still keeping those important skills fresh all season long!

How Our Workbooks Help Prevent Summer Slide

This is exactly why we created our seasonal workbooks—to make learning fun, consistent, and doable during the summer months (and beyond!). Our Summer Activities Workbooks are available as a physical copy that ships right to your door—perfect to take on the go—and as a digital version with printable pages you can use again and again! These aren’t just any activities—they’re thoughtfully designed with repetition-based learning in mind. That means the key concepts don’t just show up once and disappear; they’re woven throughout the book in different ways so your child builds confidence and actually retains what they’re learning!

And because we know that kids learn best when they’re having fun, every single page is filled with bright, seasonally themed graphics and learn-through-play activities. From summer crafts to playful handwriting practice and engaging number games, each page feels like fun—not “school.” A few pages a day is more impactful than you might think! For preschoolers and kindergarteners, this kind of regular exposure is so important for developing confidence, reinforcing foundational skills, and building routines they’ll carry into the school year.

Take Learning on the Go

Another reason we love our workbooks for summer? They’re incredibly easy to use anywhere! Toss our Summer Activities Workbook in your beach bag, bring it to the pool, pack it in your carry-on, or keep it handy for those long waits at restaurants or doctor’s appointments. They’re screen-free, low-prep, and ready whenever you are—perfect for busy families on the go or those slow, sunny mornings at home!

As a team made up of teachers, former teachers, and parents, we totally get it—handing your child a worksheet in the middle of summer fun, sports, vacations, and playdates can feel like pulling teeth. That’s why we designed our workbooks to feel nothing like traditional summer work. With bright visuals, fun seasonal themes, and play-based activities woven throughout, these books feel more like a creative activity than a chore!

We also encourage families to rethink how they use them! Instead of carving out formal “school time,” consider using the pages more casually—like an activity during car rides, a restaurant distraction, or a fun wind-down before bed. While a structured routine might work for some kids, others thrive with a more flexible, go-with-the-flow approach—and that’s the beauty of these resources. However you fit them in, even just a page or two a day (or a handful a week!) can make a big difference in keeping those important skills fresh.

Your Turn!

Preventing summer slide doesn’t have to mean strict schedules or long lessons—it just takes a few minutes a day, the right tools, and a little intention. We’re here to make it easy, engaging, and fun for your whole family! Our Summer Activities Workbook, assortment of other workbooks,  and all of our Summer learning resources are designed by educators who get early childhood and are passionate about keeping kids growing—even when school’s out!

So let’s make this summer one to remember—filled with sunshine, play, and learning that sticks! How us how you beat the summer slide using #PlaygroundPressKids