15 Summer Break Strategies

You've worked hard all year to close the achievement gap between your high- and low-income students. Want to make that last? Then it's time to take a closer look at one of student progress's biggest threats: summer break.

A recent study at Johns Hopkins University reveals that any gaps that may exist during the school year are only exacerbated by the very different experiences high- and low-income elementary students have over their summer break.

Starting in elementary school, this summer learning discrepancy accumulates, resulting in a higher dropout rate and lower college attendance rate among low-income students than that seen in their high-income counterparts. Says sociologist Karl Alexander, “The good news is that disadvantaged kids’ test scores improve at pretty comparable rates during the school year.” So don’t let the summer slow their progress.

But how can you keep all your students sharp over the summer? We put together a list of activities available to families of any economic status, guaranteed to keep kids on track. And don't miss our parent handout below, designed to raise awareness on the issue and offer helpful suggestions.

Recommended Activities

• Get a library card, and check out a new book each week.
• Visit your local bookstore or library for storytelling hour.
• Read in front of your children, even if it's just the newspaper or a magazine.
• Leave books around the house for easy access.
• Visit a museum. Most museums have free or discounted days over the summer.
• Enroll your child in a summer sports team.
• Assign daily chores.
• Go to the park.
• Encourage educational TV shows and websites, like www.imagineisland.com, and restrict usage to no more than two hours at a time.
• Check out community programs for free craft days, cultural events, and festivals.
• Visit a retirement home to listen to stories, and share a few of your own.
• Start a reading rewards program. For every five books your child reads, reward the accomplishment with a trip to the zoo or something equally satisfying.
• Attend an outdoor concert. Most cities offer these free in the summer months.
• Watch a play. Many theatre companies have free dress rehearsals open to the public.
• Write your own books. Whether they're poetry, narrative, or illustrations only, share your books with each other.

Parent Handout in English


UPDATE: Spanish Version