Not this kind of slide. This one's OK.

Summer is right around the corner, and it brings with it a more relaxed schedule with an endless supply of bubbles and dripping Popsicles. There are so many things to add to your summer bucket list, but one thing to avoid is the dreaded summer slide, which occurs when kids lose some of the academic skills they gained during the school year. Here are some quick and easy ways to beat learning loss without taking away the summertime fun:

1. Pick up a book

Reading during the summer means performing better in the fall. Libraries such as the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library have something for everyone. Kids can read biographies, fables, chapter books, poetry, or even the newspaper. Reading is like brain food, so be sure to get in 20 minutes every day.

2. Cook it up

Prepare meals together to enhance kids’ understanding of the science behind food and cooking. Pick out some favorite recipes, get out the measuring cups, and put those math and reading skills to use. Make a trip to the farmers market where you can also teach the values of local food and community building. 

3. Mini road trip!

Take a field trip somewhere in the Chippewa Valley, which is home to a number of parks, museums, and even a zoo. Our community is full of learning opportunities from exploring the properties of water at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire to discovering Orion’s Belt at Hobbs Observatory. Pack a sack lunch and make a day of it!

4. Brush up

Turn your next vacation into a social studies activity. The kids can research the destination’s history, attractions, and famous landmarks. Encourage kids to journal about their travels to continue developing their writing skills.

5. Get programmed

Take advantage of the summer programs offered in the Chippewa Valley. The Eau Claire Area School District along with UW-Eau Claire’s Children’s Nature Academy have a number of programs with opportunities to build critical thinking skills. For park adventures, arts and crafts, and team sports, check out the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, or your city’s parks department.

Summer is a great time to help kids get their imagination flowing while brushing up on their academic skills. With these simple strategies, you can incorporate learning into your summer adventures without having to put away the rainbow-colored chalk and sprinkler. When the new school year begins, your child will be ready to go with brand-new skills gained over the summer!