June 23, 2025

Stop the Summer Slide

Summer break is a time to relax, recharge, and have fun. But while kids enjoy the time off, their learning can take a break too. This is known as the summer slide—when students forget some of what they learned during the school year.

Most kids lose 2–3 months of reading and math skills over the summer if they don’t keep using them. When school starts again, it can take weeks to catch up. The good news is, with a little effort each day, parents can help their kids stay sharp—and it doesn’t have to feel like school. Kids who keep learning over the summer feel more confident and ready when school begins again.

Even small daily habits can:

• Keep reading and math skills fresh
• Help kids build good learning routines
• Boost confidence for a strong start in the fall

Summer learning doesn’t need to be hard. Just keep it simple, light, and fun. A little reading, some math, and a bit of writing go a long way. Stay curious, stay consistent, and enjoy a summer full of growth—not just sun and play. The trick to avoiding summer slide isn’t doing more school—it’s sneaking learning into everyday life. Make it a game. Give rewards or small celebrations. Let your child lead the way when possible. You might be surprised by their answers—and how much they enjoy keeping their minds active. Ask:

• “What do you want to learn about this summer?”
• “What book are you excited to read?”
• “What’s something new we can try?”

Read Every Day, reading for 20 minutes a day is one of the best ways to stop summer slide. Reading builds vocabulary, imagination, and confidence.

• Let kids pick their own books, comics, or magazines
• Visit the library regularly
• Read together or take turns reading aloud
• Listen to audiobooks during car rides or quiet time

Use Real-Life Math, math is everywhere. You can practice without worksheets. Make it part of everyday life—quick, fun, and pressure-free.

• Cook together and measure ingredients
• Use money to teach counting and change
• Play board games that use math or strategy
• Try fun math apps like Prodigy or Math Playground

Write for Fun, summer writing doesn’t need to be graded. Just get kids writing. Any kind of writing helps keep their skills fresh.

• Keep a daily or weekly journal
• Write postcards or notes to friends and family
• Create silly stories or write about summer adventures
• Use fun prompts like “What would you do with $1,000?”

Set a Simple Routine, a loose schedule can help kids stay on track. That’s less than an hour a day—and it really adds up. Some examples are:

• Morning: 20 minutes reading + 10 minutes of math or writing
• Afternoon: Free play, crafts, or outdoor time
• Evening: Family games or journal writing

Use Screen Time Wisely, some apps and videos support learning, balance screen time with real-world activities.

• Watch science or nature videos (like SciShow Kids)
• Use coding apps like Scratch Jr
• Try fun educational games

Join Local Programs, check out your library or community center, many are free or low-cost, and kids get to learn while having fun.

• Summer reading programs
• Day camps or workshops
• Museum events or family learning days

Final Tip: Be the Example! Kids learn by watching you. If they see you reading, writing, or solving problems, they’ll be more likely to do the same. Talk about what you're learning too—kids love knowing grownups are still learning.

Avoiding the summer slide isn’t about piles of homework. It’s about keeping minds moving, staying curious, and making learning part of everyday life. With just a little time and effort, parents can help their kids start the school year stronger, smarter, and more confident. So grab those books, mix some math into mealtime, write about your adventures, and make this summer one full of growth—not just sun and fun.

Additional Resources:

• Understood
• All About Learning Press

2025 South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities

Mark your calendars for August 26–27, 2025! The South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities is happening at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, and you won’t want to miss it.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Strengths, Inspiring Change.” The focus is on building partnerships that support the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities across South Dakota. It’s a joint effort between many agencies, and a great chance to connect, learn, and grow.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, paraprofessional, or direct support provider, this conference is designed with you in mind. You'll have access to more than 25 breakout sessions filled with helpful strategies and ideas. Topics will include early childhood, transitions, mental health and behavior, advocacy, and building inclusive communities.

Two inspiring keynote speakers will headline the event. Kristin Scroggin brings energy and humor as she talks about communication and connection. Meg Zucker will share her powerful story and message of inclusion, acceptance, and strength.

This conference is more than just learning—it’s about joining a community that believes in every person’s potential. It’s a space to share ideas, ask questions, and leave feeling better equipped to support the children, students, and families you work with every day.

Registration is open now, and it’s easy to sign up. Just click the button below to get started. Let’s come together to celebrate strengths and inspire change—for every child, every family, and every classroom.

Looking for Fun

Join Us for Bites & Brushes – A Creative Night Out!

Looking for a fun and relaxing way to wrap up the first day of the South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities? Don’t miss Bites & Brushes on August 26 at 6 PM!

This special event is hosted with the Brookings Arts Council and led by local artist Rachel Funk. You’ll get to paint your own canvas using step-by-step instructions from Rachel—no experience needed! It’s a great way to get creative and try something new.

While you paint, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres in a calm, alcohol-free setting. This is a perfect chance to unwind, connect with others, and take home a piece of art you made yourself. Tickets are $30 and space is limited, so be sure to sign up early. This event is open to conference attendees and offers a fun way to relax while celebrating the theme: “Celebrating Strengths, Inspiring Change.” Don’t miss this colorful night of creativity, connection, and fun!

Upcoming Events

See Where South Dakota Parent Connection Will Be!

We are busy sharing helpful information and support with families and professionals all across the state. At these events, participants can learn about important topics, find helpful resources, and get support. Our goal is to help families get the tools and knowledge they need. To see where we’ll be next, check out our website or following us on Facebook. We’d love to see you there!

July 8 & 9, 2025: Transition Summer Institute: This fun and inspiring event is made for teachers and school staff who want to learn new ways to help students grow. You’ll hear from amazing speakers, including someone who talks about life with Down syndrome and a Lakota storyteller. Don't miss South Dakota Parent Connection staff, Betsy Drew and Kris Sellers, who are presenting again this year.

July 26, 2025: ADA Festival 35: This special event honors the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrates people with disabilities as a valued part of our community. Enjoy live music, interactive booths, food trucks, fun activities for all ages, and a speech from the Mayor of Sioux Falls. Come visit with South Dakota Parent Connection staff at this event.

August 8 - 9, 2025: Empower South Dakota - 2025 Diabetes Conference: This two-day event is for people living with diabetes, their families, and anyone wanting to learn how to prevent or manage the disease. It’s a great chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who understand your journey. South Dakota Parent Connection staff are preparing to present information on 504/IEPs as support to kids with diabetes in school.

August 12, 2025: South Dakota Early Intervention Conference 2025: Join us for a day full of helpful sessions focused on early childhood development, family support, and community resources. You’ll hear from experts on topics like observing young children, supporting families without housing, and ways to help children with developmental delays. South Dakota Parent Connection is presenting a session about Examining Early Intervention for Children with Varying Degrees of Developmental Delay and their Respective Outcomes.

August 26 - 27, 2025: 2025: South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities: This year’s theme is "Celebrating Strengths, Inspiring Change." The goal is to bring people together to support individuals with developmental disabilities and help them live their best lives. There will be lots of chances to learn, connect, and find helpful tools and ideas. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something important and inspiring!

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by U.S. Department of Education, HRSA, HHS, or the Federal Government.