School’s out! Lazy mornings, sunny afternoons, and family adventures are on the horizon. But for parents of children with Down syndrome, the long summer break can also bring a question: how do we keep our kids learning, engaged, and moving forward when the structured school day disappears?

The “summer slide”—where children can lose some of the academic gains made during the school year—is a concern for many parents. For children with Down syndrome, who often thrive on routine and consistent reinforcement, maintaining skills and fostering new growth over the summer is particularly important. The good news is that summer doesn’t have to mean a pause in progress. With a little planning and creativity, it can be a fantastic time for fun, learning, and development.

Embrace a Flexible Routine

While summer calls for a more relaxed schedule, completely abandoning routine can be unsettling for many children, including those with Down syndrome. “A predictable, yet flexible, summer routine can provide a sense of security and help manage expectations,” says Ms. Anya Sharma, a special education teacher with over 15 years of experience. “It doesn’t have to be rigid like the school day. Think of it as a gentle rhythm that includes time for play, learning activities, outdoor time, and rest.” This might mean consistent morning and bedtime routines, with planned activities a few times a week, leaving plenty of room for spontaneity.

Make Learning Playful & Practical

Summer is the perfect opportunity to take learning off the page and into the real world. “Teachers often emphasize the importance of ’embedding learning into everyday routines’ for children with Down syndrome, especially during breaks,” Sharma advises. “Summer activities like cooking or gardening can be rich with opportunities for practicing math, language, and motor skills.”

• Reading Adventures: Keep the pages turning! Visit the local library and join their summer reading program. Read together daily, choosing books that capture your child’s interests. Don’t forget audiobooks, which can be great for car rides or quiet time. Encourage storytelling and even creating your own simple books.
• Math in Action: Math is everywhere! Cooking involves measuring and counting. Shopping offers chances to identify numbers, count items, and handle money (even play money). Board games and card games can also be fun ways to reinforce number sense and strategic thinking.
• Life Skills Boost: Summer is an ideal time to focus on practical life skills. Assign age-appropriate chores, practice dressing skills, work on personal hygiene routines, or learn to prepare simple snacks. Outings to the grocery store, post office, or bank can be learning experiences in community navigation.

Stay Active & Connected

Physical activity and social engagement are crucial for all children, and summer offers ample opportunities for both. Dr. David Chen, a researcher in pediatric development, suggests, “Maintaining physical activity helps with gross motor skills, overall health, and can even improve focus and mood. Equally, structured and unstructured social interactions are vital for developing communication, cooperation, and friendship skills.”

• Get Moving: Encourage outdoor play – parks, playgrounds, backyard fun. Swimming is a fantastic low-impact activity. Look for adaptive sports programs or local community center classes that might be a good fit. Even a daily family walk can make a difference.
• Social Butterflies: Arrange playdates with familiar friends. Explore inclusive summer camps or specialized camps that cater to your child’s needs and interests. Local community groups or library programs can also offer valuable social interaction.

Leverage Interests & New Experiences

One of the best ways to keep your child engaged is to tap into their passions. “When a child is interested in a topic, learning becomes effortless and joyful,” notes Dr. Chen. “Use the summer to explore those interests more deeply.” If your child loves animals, visit a zoo or farm. If they’re fascinated by dinosaurs, head to a natural history museum. Local parks, children’s museums, community festivals, and even day trips to new places can provide stimulating new experiences and vocabulary.

Don’t Forget Down Time

While keeping kids engaged is important, remember that summer is also a time for rest and rejuvenation. Unstructured play allows children to be creative, solve problems independently, and simply be. Ensure there’s a balance between planned activities and free time for your child to relax and explore at their own pace.

A Summer of Growth and Joy

The summer months don’t have to be a setback. By incorporating learning into fun, everyday activities, maintaining a gentle routine, and fostering social and physical engagement, you can help your child with Down syndrome not only retain their skills but also continue to blossom. It’s about finding what works for your family and celebrating every small step forward.

Helpful Resources & Further Reading:

• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): https://www.ndss.org
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): https://www.ndsccenter.org
• Down Syndrome Education International: https://www.dseinternational.org
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org
• Reading Rockets (Literacy Resources): https://www.readingrockets.org
• Understood.org (For Learning and Thinking Differences): https://www.understood.org

By Scott Westerman – Down Syndrome Nation