HUSD News Stories

Summer break is a time for relaxation, family adventures, and making lasting memories. While students deserve time to recharge after a successful school year, summer can also bring a challenge often called “summer learning loss,” when students may lose some of the academic progress they made during the school year.

The good news? Learning during the summer does not have to feel like schoolwork. Small, engaging activities can help students continue building skills while having fun.

Our Higley teachers shared five favorite tips and activities to help students stay curious, engaged, and learning all summer long:

1. Read, Read, and Read Some More

One of the best ways to keep learning going over the summer is simple: read every day. Reading helps strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination.

Visit your local library and explore free summer programs many libraries offer for families. Students can choose books based on their interests, whether it's graphic novels, mystery stories, biographies, magazines, or audiobooks, they all count.

Families can also participate in programs like Maricopa County Reads, which encourages students to stay engaged with reading throughout the summer months.

2. Turn Summer Adventures into Writing Opportunities

Writing practice can happen naturally during the summer. Encourage students to keep a journal and write about family trips, favorite summer activities, funny moments, or goals for the upcoming school year.

Older students can explore current events and write reflections or opinions about what they learn. Writing regularly helps maintain communication skills and encourages creativity.

3. Make Learning Part of Everyday Life

Some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Everyday experiences provide opportunities to build academic skills without students even realizing it.

Try activities like:

• Baking together and using recipes to practice fractions, measuring, time, and following directions
• Practicing math while grocery shopping, traveling, or budgeting for activities
• Exploring science through simple experiments at home
• Playing strategy games or board games that build critical thinking skills

The kitchen, backyard, and family game night can all become natural classrooms.

4. Explore Learning Around Arizona

Summer outings can spark curiosity and create memorable educational experiences.

Consider visiting places like:

• Arizona Science Center
• Arizona Science Camp programs
• Museums, parks, and community learning events

Hands-on experiences help students connect learning with the world around them.

5. Make Learning Feel Like Play

Games and puzzles can strengthen important skills while keeping students engaged.

Families can try:

• Ted-Ed Riddles for creative problem-solving
• Math card games and hands-on math activities
• Strategy and critical thinking board games

When learning feels fun, students are more likely to stay engaged and continue practicing skills.

Preventing summer learning loss does not require a strict schedule or hours of daily work. Reading before bed, writing about a family outing, baking cookies together, or solving a puzzle can make a meaningful impact.

At Higley Unified School District, we know learning happens everywhere, not just in classrooms. We encourage families to enjoy a summer filled with exploration, curiosity, and fun while helping students stay connected to learning along the way.

Whether at school or at home, limitless opportunities await.