Author: OpenAI (as the creator of ChatGPT)
As summer approaches, teachers often find themselves torn between wrapping up the school year and worrying about how much their students might forget over the long break. The dreaded "summer slide"—a loss of academic skills due to lack of practice—can undo months of hard work. But it doesn't have to be that way.
With a little intention and preparation, teachers can help families keep learning alive during the summer. This guide outlines practical, low-prep materials to send home and helpful suggestions for families, so your students stay sharp and confident while enjoying their break.
Why It Matters: A Quick Look at the Summer Slide
Studies show that students, especially in elementary and middle school, can lose up to 2 months of reading and math skills over the summer. Without structure or access to learning resources, many return in the fall needing significant review, which slows academic progress.
By sending home simple, engaging resources, teachers can help bridge that gap—and parents are often grateful for the guidance.
What Teachers Can Send Home Before Summer
🧠 1. Summer Learning Packets (That Don’t Feel Like Homework)
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Reading comprehension pages using high-interest articles or short stories.
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Math review sheets focused on core concepts like number sense, operations, or problem-solving.
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Creative writing prompts with space for drawing or storytelling.
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Daily literacy or math calendars with one short task per day (e.g., “Read a menu,” “Count change,” “Write a postcard”).
💡 Tip: Keep it short, simple, and optional. Focus on 15–20 minutes a day of practice.
📚 2. Recommended Reading Lists by Grade
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Curate a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles, including graphic novels, biographies, and diverse authors.
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Include audiobooks and free digital reading options (like Epic!, Libby, or Storyline Online).
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Add a reading challenge or bingo board with rewards for completing certain books or genres.
💡 Bonus: Include a printable or digital reading log or journal template.
🎲 3. Family Game Ideas with Learning Value
Suggest games that build academic skills, like:
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Scrabble / Boggle for vocabulary and spelling.
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Uno / Skip-Bo for number recognition and strategy.
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Cooking together to practice measurement and sequencing.
💡 Tip: Include a short note explaining the academic benefits of these activities.
📝 4. Writing Prompts or a “My Summer Journal” Template
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Offer 20–30 age-appropriate writing prompts (e.g., “The best summer day I can imagine…” or “If I had a summer business…”).
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Provide journal covers students can decorate, or use digital tools like Google Docs or Seesaw.
💡 Suggestion: Invite students to bring their journal back in the fall for a small reward or classroom share time. Looking for a resource, check out the 30 Day Summer Reading Journal.:
🔢 5. Online Learning Resources List
Curate a simple one-pager for parents with:
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Free educational websites and apps
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Log-in details for any classroom subscriptions (like Prodigy, Khan Academy, or Newsela)
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QR codes linking to activities, ebooks, or enrichment games
💡 Make it family-friendly! Explain how and when to use each site for 15 minutes a day.
What Parents Appreciate Most
Even the most motivated families sometimes feel overwhelmed during the summer. Make it easier for them by:
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Sending a short letter home explaining the importance of summer learning and how your materials help.
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Framing all activities as suggestions, not requirements.
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Offering flexible formats (printable packets, links to digital resources, or both).
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Encouraging parents to choose just one activity per day to avoid burnout.
A Sample Summer Kit Checklist
Here’s a quick reference of what to include in your send-home materials:
✅ Reading list by grade
✅ Printable reading log or bingo challenge
✅ 10–15 math review pages
✅ Writing journal with prompts
✅ Learning game ideas
✅ List of free learning websites/apps
✅ Parent letter with encouragement and usage tips
Final Thoughts
The summer slide is real—but so is the power of preparation. By offering take-home tools that are simple, meaningful, and easy to use, you’re extending your influence beyond the school year. More importantly, you’re giving students and families a strong, supported start when fall rolls around again.