Summer is a time for rest, adventure, and family connection. It is also a time when important academic and developmental skills can begin to fade. Research suggests that children can lose up to two to three months of learning progress during an unstructured summer break. The good news is that small, consistent efforts can make a significant difference. Just 20 minutes of daily reading and regular engagement in learning activities can help children maintain, and even build upon, their skills.
Whether your child is entering elementary school, transitioning to middle school, preparing for high school, or heading off to post-secondary education, summer offers valuable opportunities to set them up for success.
Elementary School (Grades K–6): Keep Learning Natural and Fun
For younger learners, structure matters. It does not need to be rigid, but having a predictable daily rhythm helps children feel secure while leaving room for creativity and exploration.
Some simple ways to support learning over the summer include:
- Maintaining a loose daily routine with consistent activities.
- Encouraging daily reading in any format, from novels and graphic books to audiobooks and magazines.
- Keeping math skills active through cooking, board games, shopping, and everyday problem-solving.
- Connecting learning to personal interests such as sports, Minecraft, building projects, or nature exploration
Summer Is an Ideal Time for Assessment
If your child has never had a psychoeducational assessment, or their assessment is more than three years old, summer can be the perfect time to get started. With fewer school demands and more scheduling flexibility, families often find it easier to complete assessments before the new school year begins.
Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School (Grades 6–7)
Moving into middle school brings new expectations, teachers, and learning environments. Summer provides a valuable opportunity to prepare for these changes before September arrives.
Families should consider:
- Requesting a transition meeting with the receiving school’s resource teacher.
- Reviewing the current IEP to ensure accommodations reflect the student’s current needs.
- Initiating a reassessment if the existing report is more than three years old.
- Confirming that accommodations and supports are updated and ready for the start of the school year.
Review Supports Before the School Year Starts
Many families assume existing accommodations will continue automatically. Taking time during the summer to review documentation and ensure supports are in place can prevent unnecessary stress when classes begin.
Transitioning from Middle School to High School (Grades 8–9)
The move to high school is one of the most significant educational transitions students experience. Academic expectations increase, independence becomes more important, and support systems often look different from what students are used to.
Before September, families should:
- Confirm that IEP accommodations have been transferred appropriately.
- Check whether the high school requires a current assessment report to maintain supports.
- Encourage students to practice self-advocacy skills, since high school students are often expected to request and manage their own accommodations.
- Schedule any necessary reassessments early, as wait times can range from two to four months.
Build Executive Functioning Skills
Summer is also an excellent time to strengthen executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, time management, and self-regulation. These abilities play a critical role in academic success and can make the transition to high school much smoother.
Preparing for Post-Secondary Education (Grade 12)
For students heading to college or university, preparation is especially important. Unlike elementary and secondary school, accommodations do not automatically transfer to post-secondary institutions.
To avoid challenges in the fall, students should:
- Register with their institution’s accessibility office before classes begin.
- Confirm that assessment documentation meets current requirements.
- Start any needed reassessment process well in advance.
- Explore eligibility for OSAP’s Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD), which typically requires up-to-date documentation.
Start Planning Early
Post-secondary planning involves more than choosing courses. Students and families may need support understanding accommodations, funding opportunities, documentation requirements, and available services. Beginning these conversations during the summer can reduce uncertainty and improve readiness for the transition ahead.
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
The most important takeaway for families is that maintaining progress does not require hours of structured work every day. Consistency matters more than intensity. Reading for 20 minutes a day, practicing real-world skills, staying engaged in areas of interest, and preparing thoughtfully for upcoming transitions can help children and teens return to school feeling confident and ready to succeed.
Summer should absolutely include rest and fun. With a little intentionality, it can also become a powerful season for growth, confidence, and preparation for the year ahead.
Ready to take the next step? Book a session with our team, or start with a free 20-minute call with our Next Steps Navigation Team, who’ll help match you with the right therapist or coach. Reach out at info@possibilitiesclinic.com or call 1-833-482-5558 — we’re here to help.
