Are Canadian Kids Losing Ground Over Vacation?

The final school bell rings, and a collective sigh of relief sweeps across the country. For kids, summer means freedom, sunshine, and a well-deserved break. For parents, it’s a time for family vacations, camps, and a more relaxed schedule. But in the midst of all this fun, a new national survey suggests a critical element is being overlooked: learning. A recent survey conducted by Léger Marketing for Oxford Learning reveals a startling statistic: nearly 65% of Canadian parents do not include any learning activities in their family’s summer plans. While a break is essential, this two-month gap in education can have significant consequences when September rolls around.

“The results of this survey reinforce that when it comes to summer learning, parents are not thinking long term,” says Dr. Nick Whitehead, president of Oxford Learning. “They are not considering what a summer without learning means to their child’s academic performance next year, and that’s a big problem. Summer is a critical time for students.”

Understanding the “Summer Slide”

The phenomenon Dr. Whitehead is referring to is often called the “summer slide” or “summer learning loss.” It’s the tendency for students to lose some of the academic skills and knowledge they gained during the school year over the long summer break. Think of it as the “use it or lose it” principle applied to education.

Research has consistently shown that children can lose up to two months of grade-level equivalency in subjects like math and reading over the summer. When they return to the classroom, teachers often have to spend the first four to six weeks re-teaching material from the previous year. This not only slows down the pace for the entire class but also means new curriculum gets pushed back, putting students at a disadvantage from the very start of the school year. The effect is cumulative, meaning the gap can widen with each passing summer.

Turning the Tide: Fun Ways to Integrate Learning

The good news is that preventing the summer slide doesn’t require turning your home into a strict summer school. The goal isn’t to replicate the classroom but to keep young minds active, engaged, and curious. Integrating learning into summer activities can be simple, fun, and incredibly effective.

Here are a few easy ideas to get started:

• Make Reading a Daily Habit: Visit the local library and let your child pick out books that genuinely interest them. Participate in a summer reading challenge or simply set aside 20 minutes a day for quiet reading—for you and your child.
• Use Math in Everyday Life: Baking is a delicious lesson in fractions and measurements. Give your child a small budget to manage for a trip to the grocery store or a farmer’s market. Board games and card games are also fantastic for practicing strategy and basic math skills.
• Explore the World Around You: Plan a trip to a local museum, science centre, or historical site. Go on a nature walk and identify different plants or animals. Even planting a small garden can teach valuable lessons about biology and patience.
• Encourage Writing: Have your child keep a simple summer journal about their adventures. Writing and sending postcards to family and friends is a great way to practice writing skills while staying connected.

By weaving these small, consistent activities into your summer schedule, you can help bridge the gap between June and September. It’s about creating a balance where children get their much-needed rest while ensuring their minds stay sharp, setting them up for a confident and successful return to school.