As school is now out for summer, students across Coral Gables and beyond look forward to a break from homework, tests, and early mornings. But while summer offers much-needed rest and recreation, it also carries risks—particularly when it comes to academic retention.

Studies show that school-age children lose up to 30 percent of their academic skills over the summer months, particularly in reading and math. For some students, especially those in under-resourced communities, the loss can be even greater.

Chakeia Andrews, an assistant professor of professional practice at the University of Miami’s School of Education and Human Development, said this pattern is not just theoretical—it’s something she has observed firsthand.

“Even within my practice, I’ve had evidence of students coming back to school in August with noticeable learning loss,” said Andrews, a former elementary school teacher and reading coach. “The ‘summer slide’ is real.”

Start now

Andrews recommends parents begin by reviewing end-of-year performance data, including the state’s FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) exam. These assessments, administered in May, offer a snapshot of students’ academic standing—and serve as a roadmap for where parents can focus summer support.

“These tests provide data that can inform parents in which academic areas they should focus on during the summer months so that children are ready and prepared when they return to school in August,” she said.

Small habits, big impact

Reading remains one of the most powerful tools for avoiding the summer slide. A consistent daily reading routine builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and strengthens the parent-child bond.

Andrews reads daily with her 5-year-old daughter, Hazel. Together, they maintain a “double-response journal.” After reading a book, Hazel writes a comment about the story, and Andrews responds. It’s a practice that reinforces both literacy and family connection.

“Parent reinforcement is a great incentive for children to keep on learning,” Andrews said.

In addition to books, educational websites such as ABCmouse and PBS KIDS can help younger children build phonics and reading skills in an engaging format.

Summer learning tips for all ages

Andrews and other childhood education experts recommend simple, everyday strategies for families to keep learning alive during the summer:

• Write something every day: Whether it’s letters to relatives, daily journal entries, or short stories, writing helps children develop critical thinking and communication skills.
• Turn outings into learning opportunities: A trip to the beach, park, or museum can spark conversations about science, art, and history. “It’s not just fun—it’s context-rich learning,” Andrews said.
• Sign up for the local library’s reading challenge: Coral Gables Library and others host summer reading competitions that motivate children through book lists, prizes, and themed activities.
• Set summer goals for older students: Many schools provide optional reading lists. Help your child choose titles that match their interests—and follow up with discussions.
• Match reading with interests: Whether it’s cookbooks, biographies of athletes, or how-to guides on music or magic, let teens select books that align with what they already love.
• Encourage digital creativity: If your teen is active on TikTok or Instagram, challenge them to create a short video summarizing a book they’ve read or recommending it to friends.
• Use everyday math: Turn shopping trips into math exercises. Ask your child to estimate the grocery bill, then compare their guess with the actual total.
• Keep a travel journal: If your family takes a vacation—even a short one—encourage your child to write about each place visited. Add drawings or photos for extra engagement.
• Make a book: Children can write and illustrate their own stories using paper, colored pencils, and a stapler or folder. The result is a keepsake—and a literacy project in disguise.

Equity, enrichment

Andrews emphasized that not all children have equal access to summer enrichment. Students from lower-income neighborhoods, she said, often experience greater academic regression due to a lack of educational opportunities.

That’s why it’s important for communities to support free or low-cost learning programs, from library workshops to city-run camps.

“Summer should be a time to explore and grow,” she said. “With just a little planning, it can also be a time to prepare.”