Going Down the Summer Slide

What is summer slide?

A 2020 study showed that students lost an average of 20 percent of their school-year skills in reading and 27 percent of their school-year skills in math during the summer months. This loss is known as summer slide.

Who is at risk?

Kindergarteners to middle school children are mostly affected because they learn a lot more, so the loss is greater. Children from low-income families are also disproportionately affected by the summer slide.

What steps can you take?

1. Encourage kids read what they like.

Children will get way more out of reading something they enjoy. Start with our Books4Me service to find more of what your child already enjoys. Then try TumbleBook Library for animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, and eBooks and graphic novels for children.

2. Make time to play.

Games and puzzles are a fun way to brush up on the basics. Register for one of our many children’s STEAM programs to play games while exploring engineering, math, and science. Or come for a game of life-size chess at Central Library.

3. Go on an adventure!

Visit a museum, gallery, or the Science Centre to stimulate your child’s brain. Or visit a place inspired by one of the books your child is reading to reinforce something they’re learning about.

Summer break is about fun and learning can be fun too! Pick up a Level Up! game card for your child and give them a head start going into the school year.