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<\/p>\nSummer break is a wonderful opportunity for children to rest and recharge, but many parents worry about the ‘summer learning slide’ \u2013 the academic regression that can occur when children are away from structured learning for several weeks. Research shows that this slide is most pronounced in children who have little exposure to language, reading, and critical thinking during the holidays. However, preventing it doesn’t require turning your kitchen table into a classroom. Instead, you can weave learning into everyday activities that feel like fun, not school. Reading is the single highest-impact activity \u2013 just 20 minutes a day of anything your child enjoys, from graphic novels to non-fiction, keeps literacy skills sharp. Cooking together is another powerful tool: following a recipe builds reading, measuring, sequencing, and problem-solving skills, while giving children a practical grasp of fractions and volume. Museum visits, especially to free science or history museums, spark curiosity without pressure \u2013 let your child lead the pace. For bilingual families, summer is ideal for leaning into the second language through films, audiobooks, or conversations with relatives. For children under seven, play is the primary mode of learning: building, sorting, counting, gardening, and imaginative storytelling all support cognitive development and confidence. The goal is not to fill every hour but to keep the mind gently active alongside rest. Even two or three engaging activities a week can maintain momentum and ensure your child returns to school in September feeling curious, settled, and ready to learn.<\/p>\n
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If your child is changing schools this summer, the transition can feel like an odd limbo \u2013 they’ve left one community but haven’t yet joined the next. It’s important to talk about this openly, as children often feel the shift more sharply than parents expect. Practical steps help: walk or drive the route to the new school together before term starts, and if the school offers a summer open day, camp, or programme, attend it. Familiar faces and spaces significantly reduce first-day anxiety. Meeting even one future classmate before September can make a huge difference. At [Coll\u00e8ge du L\u00e9man](https:\/\/edelweiss-panorama.ch\/college-du-leman\/), the school supports newcomers through Orientation Days before the academic year begins, allowing families to explore the campus, meet teachers, and ask questions. Once school starts, each new child is paired with a peer buddy, ensuring no one navigates an unfamiliar environment alone. The early years programme is built on the principle that children learn best when they are interested and comfortable \u2013 a philosophy that also guides how teachers handle transitions. If your child is starting at CDL in September, the Admissions team is happy to walk you through the first days, and new families receive regular updates by email. For personalised guidance, contact the Admissions team directly. In summary, keeping your child learning this summer is about fostering curiosity through everyday activities, preparing for transitions with practical steps, and trusting that play and rest are essential \u2013 all while ensuring your child feels confident and ready for the new school year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This post explores how to prevent the summer learning slide through low-pressure activities like reading, cooking, and museum visits, and offers guidance for children under seven and those transitioning to a new school, with practical tips from Coll\u00e8ge du L\u00e9man.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":52601,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[358],"class_list":["post-52603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","tag-college-du-leman"],"yoast_head":"\n