Helping your child prepare for the next grade level doesn’t require a rigid academic schedule. Summer break is a great time to explore fun, low-pressure activities that keep children’s minds engaged and build on what they’ve already learned. With these simple strategies, you can help your child reduce transition anxiety and return to school feeling prepared.
Review What They Learned and Look Ahead
Start by going through your child’s work from the previous grade. Try to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Ask your child to share which subjects felt easy and which ones were challenging. There may be gaps in math skills, or perhaps their writing could use a boost. After reviewing this with your child, take a look at the curriculum for the next grade. You don’t need to study every detail of it; having a basic idea of the grade-level expectations is enough.
Once you identify key areas to focus on, set aside short, consistent time blocks for practice. Remember, consistency is more important than sitting down for large stretches of time. Studying for 30 minutes a day adds up to over two hours of learning each week. This manageable approach helps your child build confidence as they head into the new school year.
Practice Math Through Everyday Life
Helping your child prepare for the upcoming math curriculum doesn’t have to involve formal lessons. For elementary school students, everyday activities offer perfect learning opportunities. For instance, cooking together is quality time that also allows children to practice skills like fractions, measuring and following directions. When they help measure ingredients or adjust recipes, they’re applying math and problem-solving skills in a fun, hands-on way.
For middle schoolers, planning summer trips or outings also provides valuable math lessons. As you map out routes and estimate travel times, your child can explore how distance, speed and time relate to one another. Calculating how long a trip will take based on speed or figuring out the best route encourages practical problem-solving and demonstrates how math applies to real life.
Keep Reading Fun and Fresh
Take a peek at what children in the next grade are reading, and offer your child a chance to explore some of those books. They don’t need to read each book in its entirety, just a few interesting chapters or excerpts to spark curiosity. You can also explore other works by the same author or check if there’s a movie adaptation to watch together. This makes reading more exciting and relatable, and when the new school year begins, your child will feel confident and prepared. Aim to read together or encourage independent reading for at least 20–30 minutes every day.
Use Screens and Technology Strategically
Screen time doesn’t have to be mindless. Many educational apps engage children and keep them thinking with quizzes and puzzles while reinforcing skills like math, reading and even coding. You can find apps in both test and game formats, covering a variety of school subjects. Just a few minutes a day can make a difference, especially when it feels like play. Look for age-appropriate tools and set a routine to help screen time stay positive and purposeful.
Encourage Journaling to Boost Writing and Storytelling
Journaling is an excellent way for children of all ages to reflect on their summer while practicing creative writing and storytelling. Older children might enjoy writing short stories or daily reflections in a diary format, while younger children can draw pictures and retell what they saw or learned every few days. Over time, journaling builds creativity, self-expression and, ultimately, confidence. It also naturally strengthens vocabulary, syntax and grammar skills.
Don’t Let Spiritual Growth Slow Down
As children improve academically, it’s equally important to nurture their spiritual development. Set aside time for prayer, attending Mass, reading the Bible or enjoying simple faith-based activities at home. These moments help children stay connected to their values during the less structured days of summer break. Encouraging spiritual engagement contributes to children growing into kind, grounded and thoughtful individuals—ready for whatever the next school year brings.
When children feel prepared, returning to school and starting a new grade is exciting. At our Orlando private school, part of the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, we encourage parents and children to make meaningful activities a big part of their summer break. Our dedicated staff is committed to sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ while providing a well-rounded education in all subjects. We strive to help students grow into responsible, respectful and trustworthy individuals. To learn more about St. Charles Borromeo, contact us today.
