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The Answer Might Surprise You

As we round the corner into summer, I keep hearing two very different versions of the same question:

Versions 1: “We are going totally off the grid this summer. My kids need a break. No schedule. No structure. No stress.”

Version 2: “My child must catch up, or get ahead. We are doubling down on academics this summer. Do you have any extra workbooks?”

Both versions end with the same question: “So… what do you recommend?”

Here it is: my summer learning recommendations based on what research says actually moves the needle when it comes to student achievement, year over year.

1. Build Knowledge

This is not a new message from me, but this statistic might make you sit up straighter: when controlling for other predictors, 40–50% of the variance in student achievement is explained by prior knowledge.

That’s huge. Kids learn new things more easily when connecting them to things they already know. So this summer, build knowledge. No matter what camp you’re in.

If you’re in the “disconnect and relax” camp:

Take lots of trips (big or small). Do at-home science experiments. Watch documentaries on sharks or space or whatever your child is fascinated by. Learn something new together. Explore, wonder, ask questions, and follow rabbit holes.

If you’re in the “work hard and catch up” camp:

Fill your child’s reading list with nonfiction and historical fiction texts on topics they love. Start a family book club or trade books with neighbors. Use apps like Adventure Academy to gamify learning and sneak in some knowledge-building fun.

2. Strengthen Executive Function Skills

Executive Function (EF) is a set of mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. There are MANY definitions, but the big three components in most definitions are: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition.

When all other factors are controlled, working memory alone can account for 10% of the variance in achievement. (That’s more variance than IQ!)

How do you build it?

• Play memory games like Simon, matching cards, or that old classic: “I’m going on a trip and I’m bringing…” (apples, bananas, cats, donuts… you get the idea).
• Use visual checklists for routines.
  • For a child with low working memory: break tasks into steps like “brush teeth, get dressed, make bed.”
  • For children with stronger working memory, group them by “Get ready” or “Pack your pool bag” and let them plan out the sub-steps.
• Encourage them to follow multi-step instructions and celebrate small wins when they do.

3. Boost Self-Regulation

Self-regulation has many definitions, but when thought about as “approaches to learning” things like paying attention, controlling impulses, and engaging fully in tasks- it is the second strongest predictor of achievement, right behind existing knowledge.

But this is the hardest one to teach… and the one we need the most.

Here’s what I’m seeing as a parent and as an educator:

Today’s kids (and adults, let’s be honest) are constantly overstimulated. The endless scroll of social media, binge-able TV, and 24/7 entertainment has shortened attention spans and made boredom feel intolerable.

Recently, my daughter started seeing a wellness therapist for a foot issue. When I asked him what stretches or exercises we could do at home, he didn’t talk about muscles. He said, “She needs more sleep. A stronger immune system. She needs to be bored.”

Bored.

And it clicked. My kids are over-scheduled. They are tired. Their self-regulation tanks are empty. And, full transparency, so is mine. So when they argue, meltdown, or struggle to focus, I often swoop in to fix it rather than teach through it.

This summer, I’m doing things differently.

• Less screen time.
• More sleep.
• Sunlight. Nature. Vitamin D.
• Unstructured time. Let them be bored long enough to invent, build, or create something out of nothing.

Model how to handle disappointment and disagreements. Talk them through frustration. And correct inappropriate behaviors, even when it would be easier to let it slide. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s practice.

So there you have it. My big three:  Build knowledge. Strengthen executive function. Boost self-regulation.

No matter what your summer looks like, find little ways to work these in. And if you’re still not sure what direction you’re headed, just ask yourself one simple question:

“Am I team ‘let the kids rest’ or team ‘break out the workbooks’?”

And remember—both are welcome, but if you find yourself trying to teach fractions while also packing for vacation, wrangling sunscreen-resistant children, and Googling “easy crockpot dinners” at 10:00 p.m. on a Tuesday…

Just know that I see you.

I am you.

And my professional recommendation at that point?

Ice cream for dinner. You’re doing great.