Non-Academic Summer Learning Goals
When summer rolls around, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to prevent the “summer slide” with flashcards, worksheets, and reading logs. But some of the most powerful skills your child can gain over the summer don’t come from books or classrooms—they come from real-life experiences that build confidence, independence, and emotional resilience. Here are some unconventional—but incredibly impactful—non-academic summer learning goals that you and your child can tackle together.
Unconventional Skills That Set Your Child Up for Greater Confidence and Resilience:
1. Build Emotional Vocabulary
Helping kids learn to name and manage their emotions can make a big difference in how they handle stress, conflict, and frustration during the school year.
Try this:
- Practice a daily “feelings check-in” using a chart or journal.
- Read books that explore different emotions and talk about what the characters might be feeling.
- Model using words like “disappointed,” “overwhelmed,” or “frustrated” instead of “mad” or “sad.” (Here’s a comprehensive list to grow your vocabulary together!)
Why it matters:
Emotional regulation is directly linked to executive function skills—like impulse control and flexible thinking—that are crucial for success in and out of the classroom.
2. Learn to Stick With Something Hard
Summer is the perfect time to work on grit. Whether it’s learning to ride a bike, finishing a puzzle, or practicing a new instrument, choosing one skill to build over time can help your child develop perseverance in the face of challenges.
Try this:
- Set a personal summer goal together—something that will take effort but feels exciting.
- Track progress and celebrate small wins.
- Talk openly about the frustration that comes with learning something new, and model problem-solving together.
Why it matters:
Resilience grows when kids experience setbacks and learn they can overcome them.
3. Practice Problem-Solving in Daily Life
Problem-solving is more than an academic skill you use for math. It’s the ability to pause, think through a situation, and make a plan. Give your child chances to solve real problems—before stepping in with a fix every time.
Try this:
- Ask your child to plan part of the family’s next outing, from choosing the location to looking up directions.
- Give them the chance to resolve sibling disputes on their own (with some coaching if needed).
- Pose hypothetical challenges at the dinner table—like “What would you do if you lost your backpack on a field trip?”
- When your child comes to you with a problem or question, instead of giving them the answer immediately, ask questions to see if they can arrive there on their own. (And if they don’t, it’s ok to let them try and fail in some safe ways so they can learn!)
Why it matters:
When kids learn to think critically and creatively through everyday problems, they build confidence in their ability to navigate school challenges, too.
4. Strengthen Independence with Routines
Routines give kids a sense of control—and reduce the daily chaos for everyone. Use the less-rushed summer months to build age-appropriate independence where kids master certain tasks and elements of their days.
Try this:
- Let your child manage their own morning or bedtime routine. Use visual schedules or checklists to get them started, but let them hold themselves accountable.
- If they are going to summer camps or on vacations, build a routine around packing and give your child the autonomy to think through what they’re going to need.
- Teach a new life skill each week—laundry, meal prep, or budgeting with allowance money are all helpful skill-building tasks that can be done in an age-appropriate way.
Why it matters:
Kids who feel capable in daily tasks are more likely to advocate for themselves, organize their schoolwork, and handle transitions more smoothly.
5. Strengthen Cognitive Skills
Not all brain-building happens at a desk! Card games, logic puzzles, memory games, and board games can target cognitive skills like attention, processing speed, and reasoning.
Try this:
- Rotate game night activities with games like Uno, Set, Rush Hour, or Spot It!
- Use brain teasers like Wordle, crossword puzzles, or riddles as part of your routine
- Use apps or hands-on activities that challenge memory or logic.
- Use travel time to engage brain skills! Here are some screen-free options to try when you’re on-the-go this summer.
Why it matters:
At LearningRx, we focus on strengthening core cognitive skills because they form the foundation for all learning. When kids sharpen these skills—even in playful ways—they’re more equipped to thrive academically because their brain has the tools for the job of learning!
Summer Learning Is About More Than Academics
The truth is, school success is about more than just grades or reading levels. Confidence, focus, flexibility, and resilience all play a huge role—and summer is the ideal time to grow these essential life skills.
If your child struggles with attention, memory, or learning challenges, summer is also a great time to explore cognitive skills training with LearningRx. Our programs are designed to target the root causes of learning struggles by strengthening the brain’s ability to think, learn, and perform. So your child can start the school year not just refreshed—but ready.
