How to Keep Homeschool Progress on Track Over the Summer
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For families all over the world, summertime brings with it promises of lazy days at home, fun trips, and lots of time spent hanging out with friends and family. I know we look forward to it every single year.
However, as much as we value summer vacation, summer activities, and all the memories we create, we also realize that it doesn’t mean that all learning has to come to a standstill. In fact, it can actually be beneficial for kids to continue learning during the summer months.
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Sure enough, each May I typically begin getting questions like: “Are you guys almost done with school for the year?” I usually share that while we are finished with our homeschooling “requirements”, we aren't done learning!
I wouldn't technically classify us as year-round homeschoolers, as our summertime months typically have a different flow and rhythm to them. Maybe you like to take a summer break as well in your homeschool (I think I need it more than the kids, to be honest!). But rather than completely hitting the pause button, incorporating online academic and skill-building classes can be a fun way to fill some summer down-time, help your kids level up their learning, and build confidence in their abilities.
Why summer learning is important
Research shows that some kids experience a phenomenon called summer learning loss where they lose some of the ground they’ve covered during the school year.
Of course, the degree to which this happens varies considerably based on other factors…and there’s still a lot of research going on in this area. But I don’t think any of us can argue that sometimes, when you spend a good chunk of time away from doing something (especially if it’s something you struggle with or haven’t yet mastered), when you come back to it, it can take a while to get back in the groove of things.
In some cases, this “break” from learning can be more than just a pause…it can actually lead to regression, with some kids ending up “set back” by 2 or 3 months.
While that’s not truly the end of the world, in the grand scheme of things, it can still cause frustration to your child when they realize they’re struggling more than usual. Especially if they’d finally gotten to the point where things had started to click and flow.
This is even more of an issue for kids who have learning or thinking differences.
Plus, the time that you would spend re-teaching things they forgot over the summer would be much better used exploring new concepts and mastering the ones they’ve already started.
So how do you keep the learning going without making your kids (or you) feel like summer is being wasted?
How to keep kids learning during the summer (without ruining summer)
The key to making summer homeschool fun is for it to feel different than your typical homeschool day. It can be a lot more informal and doesn't have to take up a lot of time.
Perhaps your kids can see a tutor just once a week to cover whichever subject(s) you know they struggle with or need more time on. If you don't know someone local to help you with this, I highly recommend finding a tutor on Outschool. They've got over 8,000 expert educators that can help you transform your kids’ summer free time into focused time with 1:1 academic and skill-building classes.
You can also look into whether there are any groups or organizations in your community that are offering fun summer learning opportunities. Many libraries host summer reading programs that reward kids for reading during their summer vacations.
Or why not try some activities with your kids that incorporate different skills they’ve been working on this year? For example, cooking can involve a good deal of reading, writing, and math. They can read recipes, write down ingredients you need to buy at the grocery store, and then do math when they’re measuring ingredients.
You might also do things like start a summer family book club (or regular story time) where you read out loud, discuss the books, and even extend the fun by doing book-to-movie comparisons.
Transform free time into learning time
In addition to these ideas, one really great way to keep the summer learning going while keeping your kids' interest levels high is to make use of some of the online resources that are available.
While I am a big advocate for letting kids be bored every once in a while, I also think you can balance free time with some intentional screen time. I don't know about you, but my kids love their screen time…why not use this to your (and their) advantage, and make some of their summer screen time more productive?
Outschool is a great resource for transforming free time into learning time. They have a wide variety of academic and skill-building courses (covering multiple subjects), experienced instructors, and engaging learning experiences that allow kids to explore their interests while making progress in their learning.
Plus, Outschool's flexible scheduling options make it easy for you to incorporate learning into their summer routine while still allowing for plenty of free time.
By prioritizing fun and focused learning this summer, you can help their kids develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime and equip them with essential skills that will prepare them for future success.
Help your kids build confidence this summer
If your kids have an area they are weaker or struggling in, find an online class this summer that will help them deepen their understanding of fundamental concepts. By mastering foundational skills, they'll build confidence and a strong foundation for further learning heading into the fall.
Even if your kids aren't necessarily struggling academically, these ideas for summer learning will help them continue their educational journey, reinforcing their skills and knowledge. By staying even just a little bit more engaged, they will be more likely to retain information, build upon their existing knowledge, and feel confident as they transition into the next academic year.
One of the unique ways Outschool encourages this is with their summer challenges, like the Summer Smash Challenge. There are 8 badges your kids can earn as they take classes in areas like building community, study skills, coding, financial literacy, 1-on-1 math, and much more. They'll even earn Outschool credit and an entry into a giveaway!
If you're new to Outschool and would like to get in on the summer challenge (or try any other course they offer), use the coupon code TECHIENEWBUYERS at checkout to receive $20 off your first class (expires March 1, 2024).
Make summer free-time focused
How will you spend your summer semester? Definitely get some downtime, but also be intentional about helping your kids maintain what they've learned or gently work on weaker areas. Try filling some of that extra free time with Outschool classes that will inspire your kids to reach academic goals, continue their learning, and stay on track for the fall.
Maintaining your homeschooling progress over the summer is not only achievable, but it can also be exciting! Use a well-rounded approach that balances academics, skill-building classes, and engaging activities to ensure your child's learning journey continues smoothly.
Embrace the summer months as an opportunity for growth, exploration, and building confidence. With the right resources and a proactive mindset, you can create a summer homeschool experience that sets the stage for continued success and nurtures a lifelong love for learning.
Drop a comment below: what Outschool classes will you try this summer? What are some of your other favorite ways to learn or build skills over the summer? I want to know!
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