The end of the school year is fast approaching, and as we’ve seen from studies, kids lose what they learned in school during vacation — known as the “summer slide.” If students don’t keep up, they can end up forgetting what they learned throughout the past school year.
But there are some fun ways to help kids retain their knowledge during the summer:
- Read daily with a twist
Encourage kids to read at least 20 minutes a day and let them choose reading material about topics they love, like comics, music or sports. Library cards are free, and you can use them to access an app called SimplyE, where you can get digital copies of books along with audiobooks. - Explore Little Free Libraries
Turn reading into an adventure by mapping out Little Free Libraries across the city. These community book boxes are perfect for spontaneous swaps and neighborhood walks. - Make writing creative
Only about one in three kids enjoy writing, according to The National Literacy Trust, so keep it playful. The Brooklyn Public Library is offering zine-making workshops for teens. The next Zine Jam workshop is Saturday, June 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bedford Library in Brooklyn. - Visit the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
Located in Manhattan, MoMath offers interactive exhibits like robot games, math-based sports, and hands-on puzzles — making math both fun and physical. - Join NYC Libraries’ summer programs
The NYPL, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library offer summer reading lists, events and activities to keep kids engaged all season long. - Incorporate learning into daily life
Encourage kids to observe and discuss everyday sights — like construction sites or street signs — to develop critical thinking and inference skills.
For more ideas and resources, check out past Epicenter NYC guides:
