Simple Ways to Keep Your Child Learning & Growing This Summer

Summer break is a time for fun, sunshine, and making memories—but it's also a great opportunity to keep your child’s mind active and learning. The good news? Summer learning doesn't have to look like school. In fact, the most effective summer learning happens through play, curiosity, and everyday experiences.

Today, we're sharing some simple, stress-free ways to keep your child learning all summer long:

1. Read Every Day (Even Just a Little!)

Set aside 15–20 minutes each day for reading time. Let your child choose books that interest them—even if it’s the same book over and over! Libraries often have summer reading programs, challenges, or fun incentives that can motivate kids to keep turning the pages.

Tip: Read aloud together, take turns reading pages, or listen to audiobooks on road trips (check out the Libby, Audible or Hoopla app, or visit the Epic website for kids at: www.getepic.com)

If you're looking for a more structured system for working on reading during the summer, check out our Summer Reading Boost Boxes! 

What's inside each Boost Box...

✅ 8 weeks of fun, multisensory reading activities
✅ Engaging, decodable books
✅ Skill-building games
✅ Parent-friendly guides
✅ Weekly checklists + customizable coupons!

Whether your child is just learning to read or building fluency, this box makes reading FUN and easy to fit into your summer routine. Four different levels of BOOST boxes include Entering Kindergarten, Entering into 1st Grade, Entering into 2nd Grade, and Entering into 3rd Grade. 

Learn more HERE!

2. Turn Everyday Moments into Learning Opportunities

You don’t need worksheets to teach. Everyday activities can be packed with learning:

• Cooking together teaches math (measuring, fractions) and science (how ingredients change).

• Grocery shopping builds vocabulary and critical thinking (What’s a better deal?).

• Nature walks invite conversations about the environment, animals, and observation skills.

3. Encourage Curiosity and Questions

If your child asks “Why?” lean into it! Explore their interests—whether it’s bugs, outer space, or how ice cream is made. Watch kid-friendly documentaries, visit local museums or science centers, or help them research online (with your guidance). Check out the website: https://findachildrensmuseum.org/ to find a children's museum near you!

4. Play is Powerful Learning

Board games, card games, puzzles, and even building with LEGOs can support skills like counting, problem-solving, strategy, and cooperation. Don’t underestimate the power of pretend play, either—it builds language, storytelling, and social-emotional skills.

We've put together a guide for how to repurpose 4 popular board games for reading review. Download your FREE copy by clicking on the image below!

5. Write for Fun

Invite your child to keep a summer journal, write postcards to family, or create their own comic book. Writing doesn’t have to be formal—it just needs to be meaningful. If they like drawing, let them illustrate their stories, too!

A couple years ago, I got my kids these IlluStory kits for Christmas, and they are SO cool! Your child can write and illustrate their own story, and then you mail it in to the company to be turned into their own hardcover book. You can also get the comic book version, My Comic Book!

6. Make Screen Time Work for You

Not all screen time is created equal. There are excellent educational apps and websites that can reinforce reading, math, and science skills. Just be sure to balance screen time with hands-on activities and outdoor play.

7. Set Up a Simple Summer Routine

Kids thrive on structure. A basic daily rhythm that includes time for reading, creative play, outdoor exploration, and quiet time can help your child stay grounded while still enjoying the freedom of summer.

Final Thoughts

Remember, summer learning should feel different than school. Keep it light, joyful, and centered around your child’s interests. A little bit of intentional learning every day can make a big difference come fall—while still leaving plenty of time for popsicles, sprinklers, and late-night fireflies.

You’ve got this!