Research shows that long breaks can lead to learning loss, especially for children who do not have enough learning opportunities. Summer vacation is indeed a time for rest, but if learning at home is limited, children may forget what they learned at school.

Which subjects are most affected?
Studies reveal that reading and math are the areas most impacted. Reading fluency declines, and basic arithmetic skills may be forgotten.

The longer the holiday, the greater the learning loss. In the literature, this is called “summer learning loss” or “summer slide.”

What does research say?
Many first graders who stay away from books during summer struggle with reading in the second grade. As Prof. Dr. Selçuk Şirin emphasizes in his book “Yetişin Çocuklar” (Raise the Children): it is possible to keep learning alive during the holidays with small steps!

What can we do?

• Read 15–20 minutes every day

• Play math games and puzzles

• Join book clubs

• Visit museums and libraries

• Write stories together, keep a journal