4 Ways to Keep Up Academics This Summer

The summer is a great time for kids to relax, have fun, and spend time outdoors. In fact, they need this time to reset and get ready for the year ahead. However, it is equally important that they maintain the skills they learned in previous years.  Using online resources and outside help is a great way to ensure that students retain what they are learning in school, and are prepared for the next academic year. Here are four tips and tools for parents to keep students on top of their learning in the summer months. 

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1. Encourage casual reading

Reading is a fundamental skill for students of all ages, and should be continued over the summer. Not only are students expected to be at a certain level of reading each year, but literacy skills overlap into all areas of study. A broader vocabulary and  better critical thinking skills are just some of the benefits that students achieve with regular reading. 

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Set aside time each day for your child to read to encourage it as a daily habit rather than as a chore. Letting students choose a book that interests them will help avoid making reading feel like a solely academic activity. Check out our recent blog post where we list our favourite books for students to read if you are looking for inspiration! 

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2. Use online resources to supplement learning 

Many skills are carried over (or developed) year after year, so being able to recall past years’ skills is vital for student success. Prior to heading back to school in the autumn, encourage your child to refresh their memory and recall key skills taught the previous year.  

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E-resources are a great way to get students engaged with learning, and are generally incredibly accessible. We’ve listed some of our favourite resources below to help you get started. 

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Khan Academy 

A staple in online learning, Khan Academy is a free platform that provides students with explanatory videos and short exercise on an array of topics, including science, math, history, economics, and more. 

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BBC Bitesize 

Catered to the UK education system, BBC Bitesize offers explanations and practice on topics taught in each Key State of education, from reception all the way to GCSEs. Because of its focus on the UK education system, you can be assured that nearly every topic your child will cover, or has covered, will be featured on the site.  

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Atom Learning 

Atom Learning is a fabulous resource for students applying to schools, as well as those looking to boost their National Curriculum understanding. Available on a subscription, Atom Learning offers live lessons, detailed explanations, and thousands of exercises for students to practice with, as well as trackable progress to see what areas your child needs improvement in. 

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3. Keep writing skills up through journaling and creative writing

Reading and writing go hand in hand, and improving writing skills helps with critical thinking skills, communication, and creativity. Journaling is a great way for students to practice their writing skills without the pressure of being marked. Online prompts can help guide writing, and encourage your child to use a dictionary to practice spelling skills. While technology is useful, this is a good opportunity for students to learn not to rely on spell-check or integrated grammar-checking tools. 

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4. Consider 1:1 tuition 

For some students, independent tuition is an invaluable resource that makes a night and day improvement in their studies. Luminary Education offers tuition with experienced tutors in all subjects, and works closely with your family to ensure that your goals are met. We are also pleased to offer vacation tuition, where your child will benefit from uninterrupted education while you and your family travel. If you feel like your child would benefit from tailored, personal tuition, contact us here for more information on how we can help.

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