With summer break in full swing, many parents are searching for ways to keep their children engaged in learning—without sacrificing fun.
Education experts emphasize the importance of keeping young minds active during the three-month break, whether through structured lessons or creative play. While some schools assign summer reading, parents often look for more hands-on activities to prevent boredom and social disengagement.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Summer camps, outdoor exploration, and trips to places like zoos or parks can blend education with entertainment, experts say.
“Summer doesn’t mean eight-hour school days, but it can still be a time for learning,” said Mary Elizabeth Gable, owner of Gable’s Guidance, a consulting service that helps parents support their child’s education. “A trip to the zoo can turn into a lesson about animal behavior and habitats.”
Gable, a former teacher and mother of a kindergartener, uses her expertise to create simple, effective learning routines. She recommends consistency and grade-level preparation to avoid the “summer slide”—a decline in academic skills during the break.
“Short, focused learning activities make a big difference,” she said. “It’s about balancing fun with skill-building.”
Her free consultations guide parents in turning everyday moments into educational opportunities, proving that summer learning doesn’t have to feel like homework.
