Reinforcing Math Skills in the Summer: Why It Really Matters

Summer is a much needed break for kids. It’s a time for late mornings, backyard fun, and family road trips. But while the break from school is great for recharging, it can also mean students lose some of the progress they worked so hard to build especially in math. This is why we offer math tutoring through the summer months.

This learning loss, often called the “summer slide,” is real. And math is usually the subject most affected. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. With a little support and the right learning environment, your child can keep their math skills sharp and even get a head start on the new school year.

Why Summer is a Smart Time to Focus on Math

Kids Forget More Math Than You Think

Studies have shown that kids can lose several months’ worth of math skills over the summer. Unlike reading, which often happens naturally during the break—whether it’s a bedtime story or a comic book—math usually needs a little more intention.

And that’s especially important as students get older. In middle and high school, math builds on itself quickly. If your child forgets key skills from the year before, it can make the next grade much harder right from the start.

Tutoring During the Summer Makes a Big Difference

Summer learning doesn’t have to mean long worksheets or boring lessons. In fact, many students actually enjoy math tutoring in the summer because it’s more relaxed, focused, and often fun.

Working with a tutor during the summer helps kids:

• Build confidence with tricky concepts

• Strengthen the skills they struggled with during the year

• Get a preview of what’s coming next

At The Progressive Centre, our team of experienced tutors creates a comfortable, encouraging space where students can feel supported and motivated to learn. Whether your child needs to catch up or get ahead, we’ll meet them where they are.

How Summer Tutoring Helps Kids Stay on Track

1. Every Child Gets the Help They Need

In a classroom, it’s hard to get one-on-one attention. With tutoring, students can ask all the questions they want without feeling rushed or embarrassed. That kind of personal attention can make all the difference—especially with a subject like math.

2. There’s Less Pressure in the Summer

During the school year, kids are juggling homework, tests, and packed schedules. Summer is calmer. Without the pressure of grades or deadlines, students can focus more on really understanding the material.

3. It’s a Great Time to Review and Refresh

If your child struggled with fractions or algebra this year, now is the time to revisit those topics. A few summer sessions can go a long way in helping things click before school starts again.

4. Or They Can Even Get Ahead

Some students use the summer to prepare for what’s coming next. This helps them feel more confident and less overwhelmed when they hit those new units in class.

Easy Ways to Keep Math Going at Home

Tutoring is a powerful tool, but there are also lots of simple ways to keep math alive at home this summer:

• Let your child help plan the grocery budget or follow a recipe to practice real-world math

• Use math games or apps that feel like playtime, not homework

• Set a small daily goal—like solving two or three math problems a day

• Make a “math challenge jar” with fun puzzles or riddles for rainy days

The key is to make it feel natural and low-stress. Math doesn’t have to happen at a desk to be effective.

Finding the Right Tutor for Your Child

If you’re thinking about summer tutoring, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure the program aligns with your child’s grade level and Ontario’s curriculum

• Look for tutors who understand how to explain things clearly and connect with kids

• Ask how progress is tracked and communicated

• Choose a format that works for your family—whether it’s in-person, online, or even small group sessions

At The Progressive Centre, we offer all of this and more. Our summer programs are designed to support students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with flexible options for both online and in-person learning.

Let’s Make This Summer Count

Summer doesn’t have to be a break from learning. It can be a time for your child to build confidence, fill in gaps, and feel ready to take on the next school year.

Whether you’re looking to review the basics or dive into new material, our summer tutoring programs are here to help. Let’s work together to make sure your child starts the year strong and stays on track.

Get in touch today to book a free consultation or learn more about our summer math tutoring options.