May 28, 2025

Make This Summer Count: Easy Ways to Keep Young Minds Growing

The school year may be over, but the joy of learning doesn’t have to stop! We encourage our Little KIPPsters to stay academically sharp and curious by diving into fun and engaging summer reading activities. Reading makes summer more exciting, and research shows that students who read regularly during summer break return to school more prepared and confident for the year ahead.

To help prevent the “Summer Slide”—a common learning loss students can experience over the break—here are some updated tips to keep your Little KIPPster learning and thriving all summer long!

Set Learning Goals Together

Work with your child to set fun, realistic goals for the summer. Whether reading a certain number of books, dedicating 30 minutes a day to learning activities, or exploring new subjects through hands-on experiments, every small step counts!

Pro Tip: Create a summer learning chart and celebrate their milestones with small rewards or special family outings!

Read Every Day

Make reading a part of your family’s daily routine. Choose times to read together or independently and have fun discussing favorite characters or surprising plot twists. Help your child find books that are just the proper challenge, not too easy or too hard, to keep them motivated and excited.

Need ideas? Explore age-appropriate book recommendations on the Texas Library Association’s Reading Lists for K-12.

Tips for Success:

Aim for at least one 20-minute learning session each day.
Keep a reading log and let your child track their progress.
Encourage your child to pick their own books and learning activities to promote ownership.

Make Learning Fun and Interactive

Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities!

Read menus, recipes, signs, or cereal boxes during daily activities.
Play word or math games in the car or while waiting in line.
Let your child practice money skills by handling small purchases.

Make Local Learning Adventures

Create lasting summer memories with educational field trips. Explore museums, science centers, and local attractions to inspire curiosity and learning beyond the classroom.

Local Field Trip Ideas:

Austin:

Thinkery Children’s Museum: 1830 Simond Ave | 512-469-6200
Pioneer Farms: 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr | 512-837-1215

Dallas/Fort Worth:

Perot Museum of Nature and Science: 2201 N Field St, Dallas | 214-428-5555
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: 1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth | 817-255-9300

Houston:

Children’s Museum Houston: 1500 Binz St | 713-522-1138
The Health Museum: 1515 Hermann Dr | 713-942-7054

San Antonio:

The DoSeum: 2800 Broadway | 210-212-4453
Witte Museum: 3801 Broadway St | 210-357-1900

Visit Your Local Library

Libraries are a treasure trove of free resources and summer programs. Encourage your child to explore new genres and participate in summer reading challenges. And don’t forget—kids love to see adults reading too, so grab a book for yourself and model that love for learning!

Library Resources:

Keep the learning momentum going—your Little KIPPster will thank you! We can’t wait to see our KIPPsters back for the first day of school on Monday, August 11.

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Apply Now!

Seats Are Still Available for the 2025-26 School Year!
Don’t miss out—apply today to secure your child’s place for another year of joyful learning at KIPP Texas!