Tips on preventing the 'summer slide' for kids during summer break

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- While it may sound like a Wisconsin Dells attraction, the "summer slide" is serious and can be a very real detriment to the educational development of children during the summer break.

Judy Cohen of Lakeside Educational Services shared strategies on Wednesday, June 12 to combat this issue.

She noted that research indicates children can lose two months of reading skills and one month of overall learning during summer vacation if their brains are not academically exercised, suggesting maintaining children’s body and brain activity.

One tip is to check for teacher packets sent home and schedule routine days to complete the work. Contacting public libraries for summer activities and book clubs is also recommended, as reading six books can prevent regression.

Forming clubs for activities like cooking, Legos and art can also keep children engaged. Cohen emphasized the importance of reading aloud with children to improve vocabulary, listening and comprehension skills.