Students can lose up to two months of math skills during the summer and reading abilities can also decline, according to research by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), as reported in eSchool News.
Here are five online resources to help K-12 students stay on track:
1) Khan Academy’s free online platform presents comprehensive self-paced lessons in math, science, history, and other studies. Summer learning programs are structured plans for students in grades K-12 and have daily activities tailored by grade level. Short instructional videos, interactive quizzes, and mastery challenges accompany each lesson.
Khan Kids is an app for younger learners (ages 2-8) that combines educational videos, stories, and games on early literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
2) PBS LearningMedia collects thousands of age-appropriate free videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities that are aligned to state and national standards. Content comes from PBS programs like Wild Kratts, NOVA, and Peg + Cat. PBS typically offers special themed weeks–like “Summer of Reading” or “Science Week”–with playlists and activity bundles to keep children curious and engaged.
PBS Kids provides games and shows for younger students that reinforce foundational skills in reading, math and critical thinking.
3) ReadWorks, a nonprofit platform, offers free, research-based reading comprehension materials for grades K-12. Teachers and parents can assign grade-level texts combined with vocabulary lessons and comprehension questions. An Article-A-Day challenge encourages students to build background knowledge and reading stamina using 10 minutes a day.
4) Prodigy turns struggles to stay motivated during math practice learning into a role-playing adventure game. Students solve math problems to earn rewards and level up characters., Prodigy is aligned with state standards and suitable for grades 1-8 and adapts to each learner’s skill level. It presents targeted practice without pressure of grades or tests. Parents can use dashboards to track progress and establish goals for the summer. An English Language Arts version expands Prodigy’s platform reach beyond math.
5) Smithsonian Learning Lab enables cross-curricular learning through multimedia collections blending history, science, art, and culture. Students explore virtual exhibits, complete inquiry-based lessons, and create their own digital portfolios. The platform targets middle and high school students with an emphasis on project-based learning and critical thinking. Students can explore real artifacts, images, and primary sources from the Smithsonian’s vast collection.
Summer learning can be a low-stress and informal way to keep students motivated as they use online platforms to explore personal interests that reinforces academic skills.
As digital tools continue to rapidly expand, year-round learning is more accessible than ever. All it takes is 20-30 minutes of intentional academic engagement each day to maintain learning momentum that carries through to when classrooms open in the fall.
eSchool News
