Keeping Learning Going Over Summer — Without Overwhelm

The summer holidays should be a break. A slower pace, more freedom, time to rest and reset. However, it’s also completely natural to want to keep learning going so that September doesn’t feel like starting from scratch.

The good news is you don’t need formal lessons or a strict timetable to keep things ticking over. A few simple routines and ideas can make a real difference — without adding pressure.

Here are some gentle, manageable ways to keep your child learning over the summer.

1. Build Learning Into Everyday Life

This is the most natural and effective way to keep things going.

• Cooking together gives practice with weights, measures, reading instructions, and problem-solving.

• Working out spending money for a trip helps with budgeting and maths.

• Growing a few herbs or salad leaves opens up conversations about science and responsibility.

These everyday moments are valuable. You’re not adding more to your to-do list — you’re just noticing the learning that’s already there.

2. Use a ‘Curiosity Jar’ or Question Box

Keep a small pot or envelope with questions inside. You can write them together — or pop in ones they ask you that you don’t have time to answer straight away.

Things like:

• Why does the moon change shape?

• Can animals dream?

• What job would I do if I lived 200 years ago?

Pull out one now and then to explore, look up together, or draw. No pressure — just a way to stay curious.

3. Short and Simple Works Best

If you’re using anything structured (like revision books, apps, or worksheets), keep it really short. 10–15 minutes here and there is plenty.

This could be:

• A short quiz

• One page of a workbook

• A quick science video followed by a chat

A little goes a long way, and it’s far better than trying to power through an hour of something that ends in frustration.

4. Make Use of Audio and Visual Options

Not all learning needs to be documented in writing. Audiobooks, podcasts, and short videos are ideal — especially for children who struggle to sit and focus for long.

Listen while driving or relaxing at home.

• Watch short science clips or “how it’s made” videos and talk about them afterwards.

• Try listening to story podcasts or educational shows during your screen time.

• This is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners who benefit from multi-sensory input.

5. Let Them Choose the Topic

If your child’s into something — whether it’s sharks, Minecraft, fashion, or space — use that. Encourage them to:

Make a fact file or presentation

• Draw or create something linked to the topic

• Teach you what they know

• You’ll get much more engagement this way than trying to follow a set curriculum.

6. Reading Still Matters — But It Doesn’t Have to Be a Novel

Reading in any form is beneficial, and it doesn’t need to be a large book.

• Comics, magazines, graphic novels and fact books all count.

• You can take turns reading or try audiobooks for variety.

• Set aside a quiet time for shared reading or a mini book club at home.

Try to avoid turning it into a chore. Make it relaxed and something you do with them, not to them.

7. Downtime Is Still Important

Rest is part of growth. Let them play, be bored, and have slow days.

You’re not failing if a day goes by without any structured activity. Play, chats, time outside — it all feeds their development. And your relationship with them matters more than ticking every educational box.

Final Thoughts

This doesn’t need to be complicated. A bit of structure, some curiosity, and a calm approach can make summer a great time for learning — without taking away the break they need.