Summertime means long days filled with sunshine, ice cream, and… the dreaded summer slide. The summer slide is a sneaky seasonal phenomenon that can melt away your child’s social and life skills faster than a popsicle in the sun.
While students and parents alike cherish the break, educators often fret about the long holiday’s impact on learning momentum. Research reveals that nearly half of all children experienced a dip in their social and emotional skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by various stressors (Institute for Fiscal Studies). This isn’t just about reading and math; social and life skills are at stake, too!
So, why should parents gear up to combat the summer slide? Maintaining these skills is crucial, not just for academic success but for overall development. And let’s be honest: No parent wants to see their child’s hard-earned abilities wash away with the tide!
Fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep those social skills flowing.
1. Chef’s special.
Cook up a storm together. Let your child pick the recipes and help with the shopping. It’s a recipe for tasty fun and essential life skills!
2. Good neighbors.
How about volunteering? Whether it’s a beach clean-up or helping out at a local animal shelter, volunteering is a great way for kids to learn about compassion and teamwork.
3. Game on.
Board game nights can ignite strategic thinking and foster family bonds. Break out the classics or explore new games that require creative strategy.
Check out our Lingokids board games that encourage families to play together!
4. Friendly fun.
Organize playdates or participate in community events. Libraries, science museums, and children’s museums offer a treasure trove of activities during the summer.
5. Crafty cards.
Make greeting cards or safety posters. These artsy projects boost creativity and can be a fun way to learn important safety tips or send love to relatives.
Fun tip: Fold a piece of paper in half and have your child draw their favorite Lingokids character on the front. Va là… you’ve got yourself a greeting card!
6. Feathered friends.
Building a birdhouse not only aids local wildlife but also teaches kids about nature and craftsmanship.
7. Junior entrepreneurs.
Start a small summer business, like a lemonade stand or cookie sales, to teach basics of math, responsibility, and customer service.
8. Global citizens.
Use the free time to start learning a new language, enhancing both cognitive skills and cultural awareness.
You can start by singing and dancing to your favorite Lingokids songs in Spanish!
Lingokids is your summer learning ally
The Lingokids app offers a dedicated category to help fight the summer slide, focusing on “social and life skills” in addition to “school subjects” and “creativity.” Our app is a safe space with parental controls and teacher-recommended content, ensuring your child gets the most out of their screen time.
Dive into our “Summer Slide” category, and you’ll find a variety of games and activities designed to keep your child engaged and learning. From interactive games that teach problem-solving to fun videos that improve language skills, Lingokids ensures your child stays on top of their game—no summer slump here!
By blending hands-on activities with strategic screen time, you can provide a well-rounded summer experience that keeps those essential social and life skills in full swing. Remember, the goal isn’t just to prevent learning loss; it’s to promote a season full of growth and fun.
So, let’s make this summer one for the books—or should we say, one for life adventures!
More about Lingokids
The Lingokids universe provides original, award-winning, interactive content for kids, transforming how kids can learn. Lingokids creates games, songs, podcasts, videos, and activities that blend educational subjects with modern life skills to spark curiosity, imagination, and success in school—and beyond!
Want more educational games and activities? Download the app and check out more content on our YouTube channels!
