Summer break is a time for rest and fun. However, it can also lead to the dreaded “summer slide”. This is when students lose key academic skills before September. Luckily, there are plenty of simple, enjoyable ways to keep your child learning without making it feel like school.

At Apollo Scholars, we specialise in keeping young minds active all year round. Here is how you can support your child’s learning over the holidays:

1. Join a Summer Reading Challenge

Local UK libraries offer brilliant schemes like the Summer Reading Challenge. Kids earn rewards for finishing books. Let them choose the stories and create a reading nook at home to keep things fun and consistent.

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2. Use Engaging Educational Apps

Learning through play is powerful. Try:

• DoodleLearning (Maths and English)
• Duolingo (language learning)
• BBC Bitesize (subject review)

Set a daily 20-minute app time to keep skills sharp.

3. Visit Educational Museums & Attractions

Real-world learning sticks. Take trips to:

• The Science Museum (London)
• The World Museum (Liverpool)
• The Natural History Museum (London)
• Science and Industry Museum (Manchester)
• IWM North (Greater Manchester)

Discuss the visit together as it helps cement the learning.

4. Create a Light Summer Learning Routine

Keep it relaxed but structured. Just 30–60 minutes a day of light work.

5. Encourage Independent Learning Projects

Let your child choose a topic they love. Ask them to create a poster, slideshow or even a video project. Perfect for building research and presentation skills.

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6. Start a Summer Journal

Daily or weekly entries help practice writing and reflection. Prompts can include:

• “What made me smile today?”
• “If I ruled the world for a day…”
• “My dream holiday would be…”

7. Play Educational Board Games

Games like Scrabble and Chess make learning feel like family fun.

Educational board games like Scrabble and Chess provide a fantastic way to build key academic skills. They enhance cognitive skills while having fun as a family. Scrabble strengthens spelling, vocabulary and strategic thinking, making it a great tool for language development in children of all ages. Chess, on the other hand, enhances critical thinking. It enhances planning and problem-solving. These are skills that translate directly into better academic performance. They are especially beneficial in maths and logical reasoning. Games like these promote learning through play, encourage healthy competition and are perfect for screen-free engagement during summer holidays.

8. Cook Together (Yes, It Is Educational!)

Cooking teaches:

• Reading (recipes)
• Maths (measurements)
• Science (reactions)
  
  Get your child to plan and lead a meal from start to finish.

9. Book Summer Tutoring Support

A weekly tutoring session can maintain academic progress, boost confidence, or bridge gaps before the new school year.

Apollo Scholars offers in-person and online summer tutoring, tailored to your child’s needs in English, Maths, Economics and more.

10. Keep Conversations Curious

Ask open-ended questions like:

• “Why do you think that happened?”
• “What would you do differently?”
• “How would you solve that?”

You will nurture curiosity and critical thinking, all without a worksheet in sight.

Are You Ready to Help Your Child Thrive This Summer?

Whether you are looking to prevent learning loss, build study habits, or prepare for September, we provide comprehensive support.

👉 Book your free consultation with Apollo Scholars today.