Learning Skills – Use ’Em or Lose ’Em - How to Keep Your Child’s Brain Active Over the Summer

“That which is used develops. That which is not used—wastes away.”— Hippocrates.

This ancient quote still holds true today, especially when it comes to learning. Just like muscles, our brains need regular use to stay strong. When kids take a break from practicing skills and strategies, their mental sharpness can fade. This is known as the “summer slide”—and it’s real, particularly for students who already work hard to keep up during the school year.

You don’t need to turn summer into a school extension to prevent learning loss. With a bit of mindfulness and intention, everyday moments can become opportunities for real growth. The key is to blend fun with just enough challenge to stretch your child’s thinking without overwhelming them.

1. Make Time for Thinking Every Day

Brains get stronger with use. When we solve problems, read, or try something new, we strengthen connections in the brain, just like lifting weights builds muscle. Research shows that effortful learning leads to deeper, longer-lasting understanding.

Even 20–30 minutes a day of “thinking time” keeps skills fresh. Simple activities like puzzles, strategy games, or reading can stretch their minds without feeling like school.

Try this: Set a daily “brain break” time. Do a riddle at breakfast, read a book together after lunch, or invest in a new strategy game.

2. Strengthen Executive Function Skills

Executive function (EF) skills help kids plan, focus, manage time, and follow through on tasks. These skills are often built through structure, so when school routines disappear, kids can lose ground.

The good news? Summer offers new ways to build EF skills in fun, low-pressure ways.

Try this: Let your child plan something, like a picnic, game night, or family outing. Use a fun platform like My Learning Labs for guided learning.

3. Keep the Reading Habit Alive

Reading is one of the best brain-boosting habits. It builds vocabulary, strengthens attention, and fosters imagination.

Try this: Start a family reading challenge. Track books (yes, audiobooks count!), celebrate milestones, and make it visual and fun with a fun and engaging reading log. Let them choose what they want to read—even graphic novels and magazines count.

4. Turn Daily Life into Learning

Life is full of hidden math, science, and problem-solving opportunities—if you know where to look. Every day moments are perfect for reinforcing skills without a worksheet in sight.

Try this: Bake cookies and double the recipe (math!). Compare prices at the store (budgeting!). Set up a lemonade stand (entrepreneurship!). Encourage them to ask questions and think things through out loud.

5. Follow Their Curiosity

Kids learn best when they care about what they’re learning. Summer is the perfect time to dive into interests that don’t always fit into the school day.

Try this: Ask, “What do you wish you had more time to learn?” Whether it’s robotics, painting, storytelling, or coding, help them explore through classes, camps, YouTube videos, or DIY kits. Use this special planner to get the most out of this summer project.

6. Try Guided Challenges to Stretch Their Thinking

Psychologist Robert Bjork coined the term desirable difficulties—the idea that learning is most effective when it’s effortful but achievable. Struggling (just a little!) with something new builds deep understanding and resilience.

Try this: Pick a challenge just beyond your child’s comfort zone—like typing, writing a story, or building a model. Break it down into steps and coach them through it. Give encouragement, ask good questions, and celebrate small wins. As they gain confidence, step back and let them lead.

Final Thought:

Your child doesn’t need to “do school” this summer—but their brains do need opportunities to think, explore, and grow. With a few thoughtful routines and a lot of flexibility, you can turn this summer into a season of discovery, confidence, and joy.

Use those learning skills—or lose ’em. Let’s make this a summer to remember.