We all enjoy our summer break. Parents have a rest from kids schedules, grueling hours of homework and daily assignments. However, these long summer breaks from formal education can have dramatic, negative effects on your child’s retention due to loss of learning.

A 2017 study from the Department of Psychology from Northumbria University in the U.K analysed summer learning loss effects in children ages 5-10. They found that regardless of socio-economic status, all children show losses in maths computation and spelling skills. Additionally, the study said how, “losses in maths equate to around 1.8 months of lost learning, and losses in spelling equate to approximately 4 months’ loss of skills.”

There are some simple ways to help children combat the “Summer Slide,” a term that scientists coined for the loss of skills over summer months. The United States is unique in that we have one of the longest summer vacations in the world, which makes learning loss more severe.

Here are some quick tips to help your child combat the “Summer Slide.”

Reading

Reading in the summer months should be anything your child chooses. In fact, it is a fantastic time to read in-depth on subject areas that help them stay focus and want to learn. A family book club for the last two weeks of summer when your child returns from sleepaway camp is a great tool to bring the family back together and motivate your child to start reading again. If your child is a slow reader or is dyslexic, I suggest listening to a book on tape. It is still reading! Or join your child in their assigned summer reading (let’s face it, no child will complete while at summer camp).

Math

A deck of cards goes along way. All math facts can be practiced with a deck of cards. The idea is to keep skill practice in a game format. For example, a twist on “war” is “multiplication war.” Each player puts down two cards and must multiply them. The higher total wins. Stick a deck of cards in your purse, pocket or car. This is a great way to pass the time while waiting at a restaurant or an airport while simultaneously reinforcing those lost skills.

The weeks before school starts are critical in preparing your child to feel confident and ready to learn.