School’s out, but math is still in session!
While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s also when students are most at risk of forgetting what they’ve learned. Research shows that between 70% and 78% of elementary students experience declining math skills over the summer.
Known as the “summer slide,” this learning loss can set students back months, especially in subjects like math. But here’s the good news: keeping math skills sharp over the summer doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork.
Why Summer Math Practice Is So Important
Math is a subject that builds over time. Math skills like multiplication, fractions, and problem-solving are the foundation for future success in school and life. When students take a two-month break from practice, they often return to school needing review instead of preparing for new challenges.
Tutoring for math skills during the summer helps children:
- Retain key math concepts
- Build confidence in their abilities
- Stay ready for back-to-school success
5 Surprising (and Fun!) Ways to Do Math This Summer
1. Math Skills in the Kitchen
Cooking involves measurement, fractions, multiplication, and even division. Ask your child to double or halve a recipe and see how they can manage to do it. They might need a little helping hand, but this is real-world math in action!
2. Take Math on the Road
Math is everywhere, whether it’s a road trip or a walk to the park. During a trip this summer as a family, you can get your kids involved in math by asking them to estimate distances, eg, how far do you think it is from the car to the front door, calculate travel time, or count license plate numbers from different places.
3. Math and Money
Give your child a small allowance or let them “budget” for a summer treat. It is excellent practice to take your child to the grocery store, local ice cream shop, or any local business and have them compare prices, add totals, and calculate change. If they don’t have enough money saved for what they want, have them add up how much more they will need.
4. Play Math Skill Games
Board and card games build strong math skills. Try playing Monopoly, Uno, and Yahtzee as a family, as they help to build number sense and strategic thinking without feeling like homework. They help children build math skills without them knowing that it’s happening, plus the whole family gets to have fun away from the screens!
5. Enrol at a Tutoring Centre
Summer tutoring programs help students fill learning gaps, get ahead, or stay on track in a low-stress, one-on-one setting. With personalized support and flexible scheduling, tutoring ensures that students stay mentally active without overwhelming their summer plans. It’s the perfect balance of learning and fun, and a smart way to build math skills before back-to-school season. Find more information on our math program here.
What Parents Can Do: Make Math Skills Part of Everyday Life
You don’t need a teaching degree to support your child’s math growth. The key is to make math meaningful by integrating it into your everyday routine. Praise effort, not just results, and encourage a positive mindset. Struggling with math doesn’t mean a student isn’t “a math person” but needs more practice and support.
A Summer Math Routine That Works
Even 15–20 minutes a day can make a big difference. Keep it light, consistent, and encouraging.
Mix it up with:
- Workbooks or printable worksheets
- Online math games
- Real-world activities (like shopping or gardening)
Don’t Let Math Skills Take a Vacation
Summer is short, but the math skills your child builds today can last a lifetime. With the right approach, summer learning can be fun, engaging, and incredibly rewarding.
Looking for a summer math boost?
We offer customized math tutoring for students of all ages. From review to enrichment, our expert tutors make learning math fun and effective, even in the summer sun.
Book your free consultation today and make this a summer of learning!
