While summer break is a time for family vacations and long, lazy days spent relaxing and having fun with family and friends, those long summer months can lead to learning loss – something often referred to as summer slide. While studies vary as to how much knowledge kids lose over the summer, most academic experts recommend kids maintain learning activities over the summer to keep their skills sharp and avoid the summer slide. Here are six tips to keep your child’s brain active and academic skills strong while enjoying the sunshine.

1. Use Math Skills—But Make It Fun 

When kids aren’t in school, they tend to experience a more pronounced decline in math skills compared to reading comprehension over the summer. The best way to prevent learning loss in kids and keep math skills sharp is to use math in everyday life. Incorporate math into daily activities like cooking, shopping, crafts and games. It will give your children a chance to continually test their math knowledge in a real-world context.

2. Try Summer Learning Programs 

High-quality summer learning programs can effectively mitigate summer learning loss and provide academic and social benefits. If your child isn’t participating in a summer camp that provides activities, look for classes at your local library or community center. You can invite your child’s friends so they can learn together and sharpen their social-emotional skills.

3. Make Reading a Daily Habit 

Visit the library regularly, and choose books that interest your child. Start a summer reading challenge amongst your kids, and encourage them to read a biography or other nonfiction book. Also, older kids can read to their younger siblings. Look for a Reading Bingo game to give your kids incentive to read in fun ways.

4. Encourage Writing By Hand

Typing and computer-based writing are both skills kids learn in school, but having your kids practice their writing can provide an additional brain boost. Older kids will focus on their penmanship and remember how to spell words, while younger children can trace letters and practice sight words to improve their writing. To combine writing and reading skills, kids can write short book reviews on their favorite book of the summer, or journal about different activities they’ve enjoyed while out of school.

5. Use Tech to Enhance Summer Learning 

Look for educational websites, apps and online platforms where your kids can explore games, quizzes and other activities that match their interests and grade level. This will allow mom and dad to catch up on some well-deserved summer relaxation, while encouraging kids to keep school skills — like phonics and math — sharp, while exploring new interests like meditation, healthy living, or coding. A few to try: sparkCode, Headspace for Kids, and Dragonbox Numbers.

6. Take Educational Trips

Learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom. Summer is a fantastic time for exploration and discovery. Planning vacations around or trips to museums, zoos and historical sites will spark curiosity and learning, while getting your kids involved in community service projects can foster a sense of environmental responsibility.

These tips will help your kids have fun while avoiding the summer slide, so they are ready when it’s time to start the new school year.