A Parent’s Guide to Stopping Summer Learning Loss in 30 Minutes a Day
What Is Summer Learning Loss?
Every fall, millions of kids head back to school, and many of them have taken a few steps back in their learning.
They might forget math facts, lose focus during reading, or fall out of their learning routine. This is called summer learning loss, or sometimes the summer slide. And it’s a real challenge, kids can lose up to 3.5 months of learning in just one summer break.
But here’s the great news: stopping the summer slide doesn’t require fancy programs, tutors, or summer school.
It just takes 30 minutes a day, and any family can do it.
Summer learning loss happens when kids stop learning for weeks at a time. Over the years, that adds up. In fact, by 9th grade, two-thirds of the gap between students from higher- and lower-income families comes from learning lost over the summer.
Here’s what researchers at Johns Hopkins University found:
- Math skills drop faster than reading, kids can lose 2–3 months of progress.
- All kids are at risk, but the impact is greater on students from low-income families.
- Just a little daily practice, reading and math, can keep kids on track or even help them get ahead.
This isn’t just about grades. It’s about giving every child an equal chance to grow, learn, and feel confident.
A Simple Plan: 30 Minutes a Day
Parents are the secret weapon to stopping the summer slide. You don’t have to be a teacher, you just have to be present.
Here’s the routine we recommend:
- 15 minutes of reading
Kids build reading stamina, vocabulary, and a love for books. - 15 minutes of math
Whether it’s games, flashcards, or word problems, math practice helps boost memory and confidence.
That’s it! Just 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
Why This Works
This simple routine stands out because it’s:
- Easy to start – No special tools needed. A book, a pencil, and your encouragement go a long way.
- Doable for busy families – You don’t need to block out your day. Just 30 minutes, whenever it works for you.
- Powerful over time – Small actions, done daily, keep learning fresh and strong.
- Fair and flexible – Any family can do this. You don’t need to spend money to support your child’s learning.
But even more than the academic gains, you’re giving your child something deeper:
Confidence. Structure. And the message that learning matters, even when school is out.
A Note From Me: Karim Abouelnaga, PRACTICE's Founder + CEO
I grew up in a low-income, immigrant family. We didn’t have summer learning. In fact, I missed so many days of school that by middle school, I had 60 absences in a single year. I was the only one in my family to graduate college, not because I was smarter, but because I got lucky.
Now, I lead PRACTICE, and we work to make sure no kid has to rely on luck. If I could share just one thing with every parent, it’s this:
You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do something.
And 30 minutes a day? That’s something powerful.
Start Small. Stick With It.
This summer, don’t stress about doing it all. Focus on what works:
- 15 minutes of reading
- 15 minutes of math
- The days that work for you
Below you can download our free Summer Learning Tracker to help track your child’s progress and encourage them to keep learning throughout the summer. But for now, give yourself credit. You’re reading this because you care, and that’s where the change begins.
You’ve got this. And we’re here to help.
Download Our *FREE* Weekly Summer Learning Tracker!
This easy-to-use tracker makes it easy to build learning habits that stick over the summer, all in just 30 minutes a day.
Wondering how to turn a simple summer routine into lasting learning gains? We’re here to help.
Whether you’re looking for support, structure, or just a little guidance, our team is ready to partner with you. Together, we can build a plan that fits your family and keeps your child learning, growing, and confident all summer long.
Reach out anytime, we’d love to hear from you!
Why Families Choose PRACTICE
Since 2010, we’ve helped thousands of students grow in reading, math, science, and more. Our tutors are real educators who understand how to work with each child’s unique needs, building their skills and boosting their confidence.
Now, we’re proud to support families and students with on-demand virtual tutoring, available when you need it. It’s the perfect way to support learning without adding stress to your day.
In 2024–2025, Students Made Progress and Parents Saw the Difference.
Why Students Thrive & Parents Keep Coming Back.
The PRACTICE Difference
PRACTICE partners with Title I K-12 schools to close learning gaps, boost math and reading proficiency, and increase graduation rates. Since 2010, we’ve empowered over 100,000 low-income students through evidence-based tutoring, program support, and user-friendly gradebook software. PRACTICE is committed to enriching urban education by tailoring solutions to meet each school’s needs, supporting both students and teachers along the way. We’re more than just educators; we’re dedicated champions for every child’s success.