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Simple steps to keep kids learning, growing, and thriving all break long
By Amanda Aragon
Summer is almost here. That means campfires, summer sports, lake trips, and countless chances to make lasting memories set against New Mexico’s breathtaking landscapes. While the season is a time to relax, recharge, and explore, it’s also a great moment for families to support continued learning and help kids avoid the dreaded summer slide.
Learning doesn’t stop when school’s out. Summer is the perfect time to help your child explore new interests and build on what they already know. To help you make the most of the season, NewMexicoKidsCAN has created a comprehensive summer learning toolkit that is packed with easy, actionable tips and resources to keep summer both fun and educational for every child.
Did you know that students can lose a big chunk of what they learned during the school year over the summer? Research from Brown University shows that the average student forgets between 17 to 34% of the previous year’s learning during summer break. That’s why it’s so important to keep learning in the mix even when school’s out.
Step 1: Know Where Your Child Stands
Before jumping into summer learning, it’s helpful to know how your child is doing academically. A quick conversation with their teacher before the school year ends can go a long way in giving you a clear sense of what support they might need.
- How did my child do on their recent assessments? Ask for their end-of-year and interim test scores to gauge their progress over the year.
- Are there any subjects or skills we should focus on this summer? Teachers can help pinpoint specific areas like reading comprehension, multiplication facts, or writing that could use a little reinforcement.
- What are my child’s strengths and challenges? Knowing both can help you choose summer activities that build confidence, stretch their skills, and keep things engaging.
You can also use tools like the readiness check from the Learning Heroes website to get a snapshot of your child’s math and reading skills at home. It’s quick and free.
Step 2: Understand What’s Ahead
Knowing what’s expected for your child’s upcoming grade can make summer planning much easier. The National PTA offers grade-by-grade guides for English language arts and math—available in both English and Spanish. These guides break down what your child should be learning so you can choose activities that build the right skills.
Step 3: Find Fun, Engaging Resources
A plethora of resources are available to make summer learning both effective and enjoyable:.
- Khan Academy: Offers personalized lessons for different grade levels. It’s free and lets you track your child’s progress.
- Learning Heroes: In addition to assessments, this site has great parent-friendly resources for summer learning.
Keep Kids Reading All Summer
Reading is one of the easiest (and most powerful) ways to keep learning alive over the break. According to Scholastic, summer reading helps kids hold onto what they’ve learned and builds emotional skills, too.
There are plenty of fun programs to get your child excited about reading:
- New Mexico Summer Reading Program: A free program from the New Mexico Public Education Department for K-8 students. It includes virtual and in-person options.
- Club Read Program: A collaboration between the Isotopes and Dion’s, this program rewards students for their reading dedication.
Reading Quest: A Santa Fe nonprofit offering free individual one-on-one tutoring sessions this summer for students in grades K-8 who struggle with reading.
Explore New Mexico Vistas
Understanding your child’s school performance can provide context to their academic standing. New Mexico Vistas, managed by the New Mexico Public Education Department, offers insights into school demographics, academic performance, learning environments, and available programs. While the current data reflects the 2022-23 school year, updates are anticipated in the fall to include 2023-24 information. Visit nmvistas.org to learn more.
Build a Balanced Summer Schedule
Yes, learning is important but so is enjoying the break. The best summer plans include a healthy mix of structure and free time. Here are a few ideas:
- Set realistic goals based on what you know about your child’s progress.
- Make time to read every day, and let your child choose the books.
- Plan educational outings—think museums, science centers, and local landmarks.
- Encourage creative projects like journaling, drawing, and building things.
- Stay active with hikes, biking, or backyard games that get kids moving and thinking.
Tap Into Community Resources
Many communities offer summer programs that combine learning with fun:
- Local Libraries: Beyond reading programs, libraries often host workshops, storytelling sessions, and educational games.
- Community Centers: These centers may offer classes in arts, sciences, or sports, providing opportunities for social interaction and skill development.
Online Platforms: Websites like Khan Academy offer free classes on a variety of subjects suitable for different age groups.
Monitoring Progress and Celebrating Achievements
Regularly check in on your child’s progress toward the set goals and celebrate progress—big and small. Whether it’s finishing a chapter book or mastering a new skill, recognition helps keep motivation high. That could mean a high five, a favorite treat, or a fun family outing.
Summer is a special time, and with a little planning it can also be a season full of learning and exploration. By knowing where your child stands, using the right tools, and creating a balanced schedule, you can help them stay on track while having a great time.
And remember: every moment of curiosity, discovery, and joy brings your child one step closer to becoming a lifelong learner.
More Resources from NewMexicoKidsCAN
Be sure to check out the NewMexicoKidsCAN website (nmkidscan.org) to find helpful resources such as our toolkits for summer learning, back to school, and literacy. They’re designed to help families support their student’s learning.
Amanda Aragon is the executive director of NewMexicoKidsCAN, a non-profit organization that advocates for community-informed, student-centered and research-backed education policies that prepare New Mexico students to become the future community, civic, and business leaders New Mexico needs. Learn more at nmkidscan.org.