We are currently at a unique point in our lives and it’s not because we’re in the middle of a pandemic – although it does add a sense of urgency – but rather since it is the summertime. 

Typically this is when students can finally enjoy summer festivities and take their minds off learning, but is this doing more harm than good? 

Well, the research literature certainly thinks so. Each year since 1906, a phenomenon known as summer learning loss, which is a marked decrease in academic performance as a function of prolonged break in schooling, has been documented.

As a result, many school kids return to class worse off than they were before summer vacation with studies suggesting a loss of 25-30% or one month’s worth of learned material.

Worse yet are studies showing summer learning loss eating away at academic gains made in the previous school year with a 20% and 27% reduction in reading and math, respectively, following the third grade. 

However, this rate increases to a 36% and 50% reduction in reading and math gains, respectively, following the seventh grade.

It is as the saying goes: “you lose what you don’t use.”

This should be especially concerning to students, parents, and teachers alike since significant portions of the new academic year will be spent reviewing old information instead of learning new material. 

Furthermore, summer learning loss hits low-income students the hardest by widening the reading gap with each passing year and it only worsens when they return to school.

This is a shame because summer is when students have the most free time during the year and is the best opportunity to learn new skills.

So what can we do about it?

Fortunately, unlike the twentieth century, we have better access to learning materials and resources than at any other point in history and this has only been possible through the advent of a single technological feat: the internet. 

Access to fast and reliable connection has significantly increased over the years such that 90% and 68% of Americans have access to the internet and mobile broadband (cellular plan), respectively, while >70% have access to both.

Under these favorable circumstances, the number of online educational resources has burgeoned to millions of freely accessible mobile apps, lesson plans, lecture videos, podcasts, printable workbooks, downloadable content, and educational games to name a few.

Additionally, these services are offered across a variety of platforms such as YouTube, Google, Spotify, iTunes, and Khan Academy.

Related: Check out these articles to learn the best freely accessible educational apps, podcasts, websites, and YouTube channels.

If those weren’t enough, you also have access to more traditional means such as books from your local library or free/low-cost summer programs offered by your city or school.

Personally, I can still vividly recall my childhood summers: My mom had always made sure my siblings and I had access to a high-quality education – despite a break in school – to not only keep ourselves busy but to continue learning during this critical time.

We often frequented the local library to read books, complete homework assignments, or use free internet. We also participated in city-sponsored summer programs that offered arts and crafts, animal presentations, math help, board games, and so much more.

Our local schools were also a source of numerous educational programs and typically at no cost. We were introduced to science and reading workshops, sports at the park, and field trips to city buildings (i.e., police station, postal office, recreation center).

Note: Keep in mind that learning and having fun are not mutually exclusive!

However, it is important to note that we were able to reap these benefits despite coming from a low-income, single-parent household and a crime-riddled neighborhood, so it is definitely possible for you as well with good planning and research. 

The point is to make the most of your summers by setting aside some time to regularly learn something new or polish what you already know.

Maybe learn a new mathematical concept, practice another language, or crack open that book you were meaning to read.

If you’re a high school student then this is the perfect time to prepare for college – study for the SAT/ACT, start your college applications, scout faculty for letters of recommendation, or intern at a tech company. 

I strongly recommend learning a skill relevant to the program you’re interested in. For example, if you’re thinking of applying to an engineering or computer science program then maybe learn basic coding or robotics. 

Tip: There are many mobile apps and online resources out there that can teach you coding (as well as any other skill) with no experience required and at no charge.

Related: Need help picking an extracurricular? Read this article to learn which activities are worth your time.

Lastly, it is okay to have fun but keep things in moderation because remember instant gratification is short-lived while knowledge is life-long.