Skip the Summer Slide: 5 Fun Ways to Keep Language Skills Strong All Summer

Ah, summer! That wonderful time of year when the backpacks are (mostly) collecting dust and the rhythm of life changes. As an SLP, I see so much joy in this season for families. But, I also hear that familiar question pop up: ‘How do I stop my child from losing all the language progress they made this year?’ It’s the ‘summer slide’ concern, and it’s a valid one! But here’s what I always stress: keeping those skills vibrant doesn’t mean sacrificing summer fun for drills. It’s more about easily folding language-boosting moments into your regular, relaxed summer days with fun language activities.

Why Language Matters, Even When School’s Out

Strong language skills are the bedrock of learning, critical thinking, social connections, and so much more. When we nurture these skills year-round, we help our children express themselves clearly, understand the world around them, and build a strong foundation for their future academic success.

So, how can we make this happen easily and joyfully? 

1. The Magic of Reading Aloud (and Quiet Reading!)

This one is a powerhouse, and it’s a perfect lazy summer language activity.

• Why it helps: Reading together (or independently for older kids) exposes children to new vocabulary, different sentence structures, storytelling, and worlds beyond their own. It boosts comprehension, imagination, and listening skills.
• Easy Ideas & Scripts:
  • Library Adventures: Make regular trips to your local library. Let your child pick out books that excite them. Many libraries have fantastic summer reading programs! Sometimes your child can even win prizes!
  • Bedtime Stories (or Anytime Stories!): Snuggle up and read. Don’t just read the words; talk about the pictures and the story. In our house this summer, we plan to do “Drop Everything and Read” for 20 minutes. 
    • Script: “Wow, look at that dragon! What do you think he’s going to do next?” or “How do you think [character’s name] felt when that happened? Why?”
  • Discuss the Story: After reading, chat about it.
    • Script: “What was your favorite part of that story?” or “If you could ask the main character one question, what would it be?”
  • For older readers: Encourage them to read whatever they love – graphic novels, magazines, chapter books. Ask them to tell you about what they’re reading.

2. Chat It Up! Everyday Conversations Count.

Summer offers more relaxed time for those wonderful, meandering conversations.

• Why it helps: Talking helps children practice expressing their thoughts, organizing ideas, using new vocabulary, and honing their listening skills.
• Easy Ideas & Scripts:
  • Narrate Your Day (for younger kids): As you do things, talk about them.
    • Script: “Okay, now Mommy is going to cut up these juicy red strawberries for our snack. See how red they are?”
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: These are questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer.
    • Script: Instead of “Did you have fun at the park?” try, “Tell me about the most interesting thing you did or saw at the park today!”
  • Family Mealtime Chats: Use this time to connect and converse.
    • Script (Rose, Bud, Thorn game): “Let’s go around the table. What was your ‘rose’ (best part) of the day, your ‘bud’ (something you’re looking forward to), and your ‘thorn’ (something that was a little tricky)?”
  • “I Wonder…” Moments: Spark curiosity.
    • Script: “I wonder why the birds are chirping so loudly this morning?” or “I wonder how they build such tall buildings?”

3. Play Your Way to Stronger Language

Play is a child’s work, and it’s a language goldmine!

• Why it helps: Games and imaginative play provide natural contexts for learning new words, following directions, taking turns, problem-solving, and practicing social language.
• Easy Ideas & Scripts:
  • Board Games & Card Games: Classics like “Go Fish,” “Uno,” or age-appropriate board games involve tons of language.
    • Script: “Whose turn is it? Okay, the instructions say you need to pick two cards. What did you get?”
  • Imaginative Play: Set up a pretend store, restaurant, vet clinic, or superhero headquarters.
    • Script (playing store): “Hello! I’d like to buy three red apples, please. How much will that be?” or (as the vet) “Oh dear, Mr. Bear doesn’t look well. What seems to be the trouble, Doctor [Child’s Name]?”
  • Outdoor Games: “Simon Says,” “Red Light, Green Light,” or even just playing catch involves listening and responding.

4. Adventures Big and Small: Fuel for New Words

Summer outings, even simple ones, are fantastic language building activities.

• Why it helps: New experiences introduce new vocabulary and give you lots to talk about – before, during, and after.
• Easy Ideas & Scripts:
  • A Trip to the Park/Beach/Zoo/Museum:
    • Script (before): “We’re going to the zoo tomorrow! Which animals are you most excited to see? What sounds do they make?”
    • Script (during): “Look at that monkey swinging so high! Can you describe what he’s doing?”
    • Script (after): “What was the coolest thing we saw at the museum today? Tell Grandma all about it when we call her.”
  • Grocery Store Safari: Even a trip to the supermarket can be a language lesson.
    • Script: “We need to find something crunchy and green. What could that be? Let’s look in the vegetable aisle.”

5. Get Creative! Storytelling and Writing

Unleash their inner author and artist.

• Why it helps: Creating stories helps with sequencing, vocabulary, grammar, and organizing thoughts. Writing (or drawing with narration for younger kids) reinforces these skills.
• Easy Ideas & Scripts:
  • Silly Story Starters: Take turns adding to a story.
    • Script: You start: “Once upon a time, in a land filled with giant lollipops, lived a very small purple elephant…” Then say, “Your turn! What happened next?”
  • Draw and Tell: Have your child draw a picture and then tell you all about it. You can even write down their words to create a little book.
  • Summer Journal/Postcards: Older kids can keep a simple summer journal or write postcards to family and friends. Even drawing a picture on a postcard and dictating a message is great.

A Quick Note on Screen Time

If screen time is part of your summer, try to make it interactive. Watch shows with your child when you can and talk about what’s happening. Ask questions, discuss the characters’ choices, and connect it to their own experiences. There are also many wonderful educational apps that can support language skills, even simple ones, in a fun way.

Remember: Keep it Light and Fun!

The most important ingredient is enjoyment. These activities shouldn’t feel like chores for you or your child. When you’re connecting, laughing, and exploring together, language learning happens naturally.

What if My Child Receives Speech Therapy During the School Year?

If your child has an SLP, it’s a great idea to chat with them before the break. They can provide personalized suggestions or even a few fun activities specifically targeted to maintain your child’s therapy goals over the summer.

Summer is a time for making memories. By sprinkling in these easy, language-rich activities, you’ll not only sidestep the summer slide but also build an even stronger connection with your child. Wishing you a fantastic, fun-filled, and talkative summer break!

Resources

For more information, practical tips, activity ideas, and to connect with a community, consider exploring these resources:

• First Words Bright Futures Facebook Page & Instagram Page: Follow us for daily tips, engaging activity ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions to support your child’s language journey.
• MDS: Boost Your Child’s Speech With Language-Rich Morning Routines
• MDS: Support Your Child’s Speech at Home: Positive, Pressure-Free Strategies from an SLP