How to help kids adapt to back to school life
“I’m an education expert: Here’s how to turn the summer ‘slump’ into school success!”
· Survey reveals 3 in 4 parents worry about academic slips during holidays
· Leading tutoring provider shares easy tips to help children get back on track
As millions of children across the UK head back to classrooms, 75% of parents worry their children have slipped academically during the summer holidays.
Leading tuition provider Explore Learning is helping address the concept of ‘summer learning loss’ while providing reassurance to concerned parents. While the summer holidays can lead to a temporary dip in academic skills, they’re also an important and valuable time for rest, family bonding, and diverse experiences that play a crucial role in a child’s overall development. These experiences often trigger 'accidental learning', allowing children to gain knowledge and skills in different ways. Parents shouldn’t worry excessively about summer learning loss, as children can quickly regain their momentum with the right support.
To help parents and caregivers support their children as they return to school, Explore Learning suggests these innovative strategies:
Create real-world maths challenges
Involve children in everyday maths through shopping, cooking, or budgeting activities to reinforce skills in a practical context. This approach helps children see the relevance of maths in daily life, improving their skills and attitude towards the subject.
Re-establish a healthy sleep routine
Now that school is back in session, focus on reinforcing a consistent sleep schedule. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. Create a calming pre-bed routine and limit screen time before sleep. This helps reset sleep patterns disrupted during summer, improving focus and energy for learning.
Establish a family reading and writing culture
Set aside time for shared reading experiences and book discussions to enhance reading comprehension. Explore the “BookTok” side of TikTok and search recommendations on social media, ensuring you’re looking for age-appropriate reading inspiration. Consider creating a family newspaper or blog, involving children in writing, editing, and researching current events or family activities. These activities all improve literacy, expand vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills.
Develop concentration through “learning through play” hour
Designate time for educational board games, puzzles, or word games that reinforce academic skills. Game-based learning can improve problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and social skills while making the learning process enjoyable and memorable. These activities can also help develop children's concentration, which they may struggle with through standard learning methods.
Embark on curriculum-connected day trips
Plan visits to museums, historical sites, or nature reserves that align with your child’s school topics. These outings can spark curiosity and provide real-world context to classroom learning.
Consider extra tutoring
Enlisting the help of a tutor can be beneficial when children are struggling to get back into the school routine or catch up on specific subjects. Online and in-person tutoring services provide flexible, personalised support to address individual learning needs and boost confidence as children transition back to school.
Amandeep Sanghera, Head of Maths and English at Explore Learning explains, “These approaches not only address potential learning gaps but also build crucial skills like problem-solving and independent thinking. It’s about making learning a natural, enjoyable part of daily life.”
While addressing summer learning loss is important, it’s crucial to remember that education goes beyond textbooks. Amandeep concludes, “The summer holidays offer unique growth opportunities that complement classroom learning. By blending these experiences with academic support, we can help children start the new school year with confidence. Parents shouldn’t worry excessively about academic slips over the summer – with the right approach, children can quickly get back on track.”
For families seeking additional support, Explore Learning offers personalised tuition designed to boost confidence and academic skills as children navigate the school year. Parents and children interested in learning more can visit https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/maths-english-tuition/.
