Expert Tips to Keep North Dakota Kids Learning and Laughing All Summer Long

As the school year wraps up and the excitement of summer looms, there's a hidden villain waiting to strike: the dreaded “Brain Drain,” or as it’s formally known, the “Summer Slide.”

This phenomenon describes the learning loss that many students experience during the long summer break, a time when the structured environment of school is replaced with the freedom of summer fun.

But fear not, parents! With advice from Private School Review, we’ve got you covered to keep your kids’ brains sharp all summer long.

1. Discover Their Passions

Start by learning what drives your child. Speakaboos Chief Content Officer Dr. Alice Wilder stresses the value of knowing your child's hobbies to improve learning. “Let your child be bored and see what they gravitate toward,” she advises. “Understanding their likes and dislikes can help you support them in fun and personalized learning.” Wilder, who worked on Blue's Clues and Super Why!, thinks personalized learning is the future. Technology offers customized education for each child's interests.

2. Read, Read, Read

It's timeless advice: Keep your kids reading. Dr. Wilder suggests reading engaging stories under a tree with your child. OCLS librarian Tracy Zampaglione recommends summer reading programs at local libraries. “These programs are often free and include contests and incentives to engage children,” she says. To make reading fun, BWS Education Consulting President Brian Stewart suggests letting youngsters pick their own books.

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3. Enroll in Summer Camps

Summer camps are fun and educational. Fundanoodle CEO April Whitlock notes that several camps provide brain-boosting programs. The Boys' Club of New York's summer camps combine sports, arts, and STEM with academic enrichment. Diana Lebeaux of BCNY says that combining literacy, STEM, and creative problem-solving keeps youngsters bright while escaping school.

4. Embrace Technology

Technology is an effective ally against brain drain. Brainscape CEO Andrew Cohen recommends enjoyable, engaging educational apps for kids. “Learning doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks,” Cohen adds. “Interactive apps can make daily learning fun.” Hooda Math CEO Michael Edlavitch concurs. Kids learn best when having fun. Our games make learning fun, engaging kids without them realizing it.”

5. Encourage Exploration

Nature may be a great teacher. Ellen Robinson of Real School Gardens advocates outside play. “Growing their own veggies or capturing bugs can be educational and exciting,” she explains. Logan LeCompte, or “LeCompost,” says nature journals and yard problems can educate kids about science and the environment hands-on.

6. Promote Language and Listening

Younger children can acquire a second language in the summer. Little Pim founder Julia Pimsleur Levine says early childhood is optimal for language development. Listening skills matter too. Tales2Go CEO William Weil says audiobooks help improve vocabulary and literacy, making long car drives educational.

7. Make Learning Fun

Finally, balance matters. Jeff Knox of PrepMatters promotes enjoyable academic activities. Go to the beach, play sports, and nap. Be sure to include instructional activities, he says. Gamification can make learning more fun, says Andrew Cohen. “To keep kids engaged, make learning fun with mobile apps or family activities.”

At the end of the day, keeping kids’ minds active over the summer doesn’t have to be a chore. By tapping into their interests, encouraging exploration, embracing technology, and making learning fun, parents can turn the summer slide into a summer soar. Whether your child is just starting preschool or nearing the end of high school, there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged and learning all summer. Happy summer, and happy learning!