Learning loss is real and summer shouldn’t be a setback. Without academic structure, many students experience summer learning loss—a decline in math, reading, and organizational skills. For students with ADHD, dyslexia, or executive functioning challenges, this gap can be even wider.
If you’re a parent in Greenwich, New Canaan, Bedford, or throughout Fairfield and Westchester County, now’s the time to act.
What Is Summer Learning Loss?
According to the Brookings Institution, summer learning loss has the most significant impact on math and reading performance, particularly among elementary and middle school students. Summer learning loss refers to the academic regression that occurs over the 8–10 week break from school. Research shows students can lose up to two months of math and reading progress, especially those without structured summer support.
This impact is especially noticeable in students with learning challenges, who benefit from having an executive functioning tutor for kids to reinforce focus, planning, and retention.
Signs Your Child Might Be Falling Behind
You might notice:
- Trouble recalling math facts or reading fluently
- Avoidance of academic tasks
- Disorganization or forgetfulness
- Complaints that school feels “too hard” in the fall
- Increased frustration with learning
These aren’t just summer slumps. According to the NEWA, there are red flags that your child may need summer tutoring for elementary students to stay on track and build confidence. Don’t wait—early intervention is always more effective.
5 Ways to Prevent the Summer Slide
1. Stick to a Routine
A consistent schedule reinforces executive functioning skills. Structure creates clarity and builds healthy habits. Post your child’s daily or weekly routine on a dry-erase board—either in their room or in a central space like the kitchen where they can’t miss it.
2. Daily Reading Time
Reading just 20 minutes a day helps maintain or improve literacy skills. For younger kids, read aloud together. For older ones, let them pick what they read—even if it’s the sports page, a blog about video games, or Reddit. Kids are more likely to engage when they feel ownership, and confident readers tend to become confident students.
3. Math Practice with Real Tools
Math doesn’t have to mean worksheets. Flashcards, interactive games, or support from a study skills tutor can help reinforce key concepts. Yes, that may mean screen time, but this is the perfect opportunity to model how technology can be used intentionally and academically.
4. Keep Writing Active
Writing is a muscle, and summer is a great time to strengthen it. Use journals or daily prompts to support writing fluency. If your child struggles, this is an ideal time for writing interventions for elementary students. You can even make it a family project where everyone keeps a journal. It builds skills and connection.
5. Work with a Local Coach or Tutor
The best way to prevent summer learning loss is through targeted one-on-one support. A structured summer tutoring program near you helps reinforce executive functioning, study skills, and academic content. At Diversified Education Services, we offer personalized, systematic instruction with highly qualified educators and the best tutors in Greenwich, Fairfield, and Westchester County.
👉 Book your free consultation today and let us help your child build confidence before fall.
How DES Supports Summer Growth
At DES, we offer summer tutoring for elementary students, middle schoolers, and high schoolers—available in-person in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Bedford, and Fairfield County, or virtually.
Our services include:
- Executive functioning tutoring for kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety
- Study skills tutoring near me to boost organization and time management
- ISEE test prep in Greenwich, CT and SSAT prep for private school admissions
- College essay coaching and academic planning for teens
Whether you’re searching for an executive functioning coach near me, ISEE prep, or summer tutoring in Greenwich, we’re here to help.
📚 Research Sources on Summer Learning Loss
Cooper, H., et al. (1996). The effects of summer vacation on achievement test scores. Review of Educational Research, 66(3), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543066003227
McCombs, J. S., et al. (2011). Making summer count. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1120.html
Kuhfeld, M., & Tarasawa, B. (2020). The COVID-19 slide. NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/resource-center/resource/the-covid-19-slide-what-summer-learning-loss-can-tell-us/
Quinn, D. M., & Polikoff, M. S. (2017). Summer learning loss. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/summer-learning-loss-what-is-it-and-what-can-we-do-about-it/
