40 Free Ways to Prevent Summer Slide

It’s almost summer break for many of us! If you’re like me, you’re looking forward to the break as much (or more) than your kids. However, two or three months without any reading, writing, or math practice could result in some serious summer slide.

So, what’s the solution? Some homeschoolers educate year-round, taking short breaks throughout the year instead of a long summer break. But I find it difficult to homeschool year-round. My kids wouldn’t want to be inside doing schoolwork when all the other kids in the neighborhood are outside playing. Plus, there is just so much going on in the summer- vacation Bible school, summer camp, travel, etc.

There are several workbook series designed for summer review. You’ve probably seen these while browsing your local bookstore or on Amazon. These workbooks can fill the need for a little light summer review, but why purchase something when there are so many free learning resources available online?

This page contains affiliate links. See our complete disclosure for more information.

40 Free Ways to Prevent Summer Slide

In addition to the math and language arts you’d usually find in a summer review workbook, this list includes engaging resources for learning about science and history. There are also activities that will encourage your child to explore nature, create art, and more.

1. Learn about birds with this printable bird watching journal.

2. Go on a fun field trip.

3. Practice math with a printable board game from Deceptively Educational.

4. Practice vocabulary while earning rice for the World Food Programme at FreeRice.

5. Do one of these science experiments with items you already have around the house.

6. Practice early reading skills with this summer-themed printable pack from All About Learning Press.

7. Learn about composting and start a family compost.

8. Do The Good and The Beautiful’s Marine Biology science unit.

9. Get moving with one of these dance or exercise videos on YouTube.

10. Keep a journal using prompts from Journal Buddies.

11. Learn grammar while reading the Grammar-Land storybook.

12. Practice math facts with XtraMath.

13. Practice typing at typing.com.

14. Practice one of over 50 foreign languages at Clozemaster.

15. Learn about insects with this printable unit study from The Homeschool Scientist. 

16. Spend time outside with fun activities from Discover the Forest.

17. If you can’t travel, take a virtual field trip.

18. Explore science at Ology.

19. Create art with a tutorial from Art for Kids Hub.

20. Read an ebook independently or for family storytime.

21. Learn about US history while playing an online game at Mission US.

22. Explore science with one of these YouTube videos.

23. Review geography with World Geography Games.

24. Do one of these summer STEM activities.

25. Read a vintage nature reader. Then take a family hike.

26. Improve reading comprehension by reading passages at Read Theory.

27. Practice math skills with free math games.

28. Listen to an audiobook.

29. Learn to code at code.org.

30. Keep reading skills sharp with a vintage graded reader ebook.

31. Learn about classical music with podcasts, games, and more at Classics for Kids.

32. Watch or read about the news with current events websites designed for kids and teens.

33. Mix colors and learn about the color wheel with this printable and lesson.

34. Review grammar skills with these downloadable worksheets.

35. Watch an engaging history video on YouTube.

36. Cook a meal together as a family.

37. Keep math skills fresh with these downloadable worksheets and workbooks.

38. Do an art lesson from Art Projects for Kids.

39. Use this printable camping journal for kids to record memories from family camping adventures.

40. Check out these unit studies and lesson plans for June, July, and August.

But, don’t do too much!

With so many resources available, it can be easy to go overboard. This isn’t meant to be a checklist or a to-do list. Pick a few things your child enjoys and would like to learn more about. If needed, pick a trouble area to work on, such as math facts or reading fluency. But remember to allow plenty of time for independent play. Numerous studies have shown that unstructured playtime helps children build confidence, reduce stress, and improve decision-making skills, as well as get physical exercise.

Note: This post was originally published on April 25, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.