Nessy

What Is the Summer Slide and Why Does It Matter?

Over the school holidays, many children lose progress in reading and maths - a setback often referred to as the ‘summer slide’. Research shows students can lose up to 30% of their school-year progress during the break (Cooper et al., 1996). 

For children who already find literacy challenging, the impact can be even greater. In some cases, it can be equivalent to six months of lost progress. This means that for many children, particularly those with dyslexia or literacy difficulties, the return to the classroom can feel like starting over. 

Why Are Struggling Readers More Affected?

Children who learn differently, such as those with dyslexia, often require more repetition and consistent practice to retain foundational skills like phonics, spelling, and decoding. Without regular, structured learning:

• Gaps in reading and writing widen

• Confidence dips

• Motivation to engage with learning drops

• Children may fall further behind their peers

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t take much to prevent the slide. Just a few minutes a day in ways that feel fun and manageable can make all the difference. 

Small Daily Habits = Big Summer Wins

Preventing the summer slide doesn’t mean worksheets or tutoring marathons. It’s about keeping the brain engaged with light, enjoyable activities so your child continues to build on what they’ve already learned. 

Simple things like:

• Reading aloud together

• Listening to audiobooks

• Playing word games

• Creative storytelling

• Drawing or journaling

These small habits can make a huge difference in how ready and confident a child feels when the new school year begins.

Top Tips to Prevent the Summer Slide at Home

• Create a reading routine: Even 10–15 minutes a day makes a difference

• Use audiobooks: They build vocabulary and listening comprehension

• Play literacy games: Make learning feel like play

• Encourage journaling: A sentence or drawing a day keeps writing skills active

• Let them choose: Interest-led learning keeps motivation high

Support That’s Built for How They Learn

Every child deserves to feel successful, and that starts with the right support at the right time. Nessy isn’t just for children with dyslexia; it benefits all learners who require structured, supportive, and confidence-building literacy practice. 

How Nessy Can Help Over the Summer

Nessy for Home is designed specifically for children who need structured literacy practice in a way that feels playful, not pressured. It’s fun, evidence-based, and completely personalised.

• The Nessy Assessment identifies specific gaps in phonics, reading, or spelling.

• Interactive games target those gaps to make learning engaging.

• Lessons are short and multi-sensory, allowing children to learn independently.

• Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and reduces learning anxiety.

Whether your child is catching up, getting ahead, or just keeping their skills fresh, Nessy ensures they are ready to return to school with confidence.

Discover how small, daily practice can build your child's confidence. Try Nessy for free now!

References

Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J. and Greathouse, S. (1996). The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test Scores: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review. Review of Educational Research, 66(3), pp.227–268. doi: https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543066003227.