Preventing Summer Math Slide: A Parent's Guide

What Is Summer Slide?

Research shows students can lose 2-3 months of math skills over summer break. This "slide" means:

Fall is spent re-learning instead of advancing
Gaps accumulate year after year
Some kids never fully catch up

Why Math Is Hit Hardest

Reading often continues naturally (books, signs, messages). But without school:

Kids rarely encounter math practice
Procedural skills fade without use
Concepts aren't reinforced

The Good News

Just 15-20 minutes of math a few times a week can prevent slide. You don't need:

Expensive programs
Workbooks and worksheets
Hours of practice

Fun Summer Math Ideas

Cooking and Baking

Double or halve recipes
Measure ingredients
Time baking
Calculate servings

Shopping

Compare prices per unit
Calculate discounts
Make change
Budget for purchases

Travel

Estimate distances and times
Read maps and schedules
Track gas mileage
Convert temperatures

Games

Board games with math (Monopoly, Yahtzee)
Card games (war, blackjack for older kids)
Dice games
Video games with resource management

Low-Key Daily Practice

Choose just one:

5 minutes of fact practice while eating breakfast
Mental math in the car (license plate games)
Quick math game before screen time
Bedtime math problem or puzzle

Online Resources

Our free practice tools are perfect for summer because:

No login or commitment
Quick sessions (10 questions in Quiz Mode)
Game-like experience
Works on any device

What to Focus On

For all ages: Basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

For younger kids: Counting, number recognition, simple word problems

For older kids: Fractions, decimals, problem-solving

Keep It Positive

Summer math should feel different from school:

No grades or testing
No lengthy worksheets
Choice and autonomy
Praise for effort, not just accuracy

A Sample Summer Schedule

Monday: 10-minute online practice Tuesday: Math game with family Wednesday: Real-world math (cooking, shopping) Thursday: 10-minute online practice Friday: Fun math puzzle or brain teaser

That's it! Consistency beats intensity.