Summer Break

Summer Break

Summer break for school-aged children is a much-anticipated time for kids in the US! This break is an 8-12 week time when students get a few-month break in between grades. When they go back to school in the fall, they'll move on to the next grade.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, summer break length varies because most states require 180 school days, but in other states, it varies from 160 to 185 days. 

Things to Know About Summer Break in the US

  1. The average summer break length is around 70 days.
  2. Sometimes schools will assign reading or other assignments students are expected to complete during the time off.
  3. Depending on the region, summer break begins and ends at different times, but is generally falls in June, July, and August. 
    1. Schools often let out for summer break around late May or early to mid June and start back up in late August or early September.
  4. You'll need to arrange childcare for younger children during summer break on days when you're working.
    1. Many schools offer summer camps and other activities to keep kids occupied and looked after during their time off.

Having a Balance during Summer Break

Summer break should be a mix of summer activities and post-summer vacation preparation for school. A common topic of discussion among educators is learning loss during summer break. Parents and kids can make an effort to support learning during summer break while also allowing time for fun activities and rest.

How to Support Learning During Summer Break

Here are 8 ways to support your child's learning while they're not in school according to Centerstone:
  1. Sign kids up for summer camps: Camps provide structure, expectations and can create opportunities for various types of learning that is fun, social and engaging.
  2. Read: Either read with your kids or create reading challenges for older kids during the summer. Many local libraries have reading clubs or programs during summer months that are fun and engaging.
  3. Take small trips to museums, zoos, music venues, parks and more: Ask your kids questions about these activities as you do them or have them journal about their experiences.
  4. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community: This will also help your child learn the value of making a difference and putting good into the world.
  5. Teach kids how to play a new board or card game: Many games include math or counting of some sort, and games for older kids might spark creative thinking, problem solving or teamwork.
  6. Include kids in meal planning: Have each child plan a weekly meal. Asking them to help plan, shop, cook, and present the meal involves many great skills to keep their brains sharp.
  7. Get kids building: Use tangible items like Legos, Play Doh or even household items to build forts, houses, obstacle courses or anything else. These activities will spark all sorts of creative thinking and math skills.
  8. Ignite your kids’ passions: Find out what your kid really loves and find ways to engage them in activities around them. Art, music, sports, reading and writing are all great ways to keep kids motivated, engaged and having fun.

Activities for Summer Break

Making your child's summer vacation fun doesn't have to be expensive or hard. Oftentimes, places in the community like the library and community center offer fun, already-planned activities and events. Think about what your child likes to do and create a simple activity related to their interests.

Here are a few examples:
  1. Print out coloring pages or puzzles to give your child
  2. Take a nature walk
  3. Window shop 
  4. Go bird-watching in your backyard
  5. Fly a kite
  6. Make homemade slime
To get your mind flowing, here are 100 free summer activities! 


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