How to Support Your Child’s Learning This Summer 

Summer can be a turning point for many learners, not just a break from school, but an opportunity to grow in confidence, strengthen key skills, and approach learning differently. 

For children and youth with learning differences, the summer months can reinforce progress or create gaps that make the next school year more challenging. The type of support they receive makes all the difference. 

Understanding the Summer Slide 

Many parents notice that their child returns to school in September needing time to relearn previously covered material. This is often referred to as the “summer slide.” 

For children and youth with learning differences, this effect can be more noticeable. Skills that took time and effort to build during the school year may fade without consistent, structured support. However, summer doesn’t have to include falling behind. With the right support, it can be a period of meaningful growth. 

Why One-to-One Support Matters 

Group learning environments can move at a pace that doesn’t align with every learner. Some need more time. Others benefit from alternative strategies. One-to-one instruction allows educators to: 

• Meet learners where they are  
• Adapt strategies in real time  
• Focus on strengths while supporting stretches  
• Build trust and confidence  

This personalized approach is particularly effective for neurodivergent learners, who often thrive when learning builds on their strengths and is tailored to their unique needs.  

A Strengths-Based Approach to Learning 

At Learn. Develop. Succeed., we help each learner discover and appreciate how they learn and develop tools to support lifelong independence, confidence, and success. 

Our approach is grounded in research and refined through decades of experience supporting children and youth. Parents often notice a shift not just in academic skills but also in how their child feels about learning itself. 

“My daughter loves working with her instructor and is always excited for her lesson… she has never asked to skip a session with LDS.” 

That level of engagement is not accidental. It comes from creating an environment where learners feel understood, supported, and capable. 

What Makes Us Different 

We have been serving families for over 55 years, providing research-informed, neuroaffirming support. 

Key elements include: 

• One-to-one instruction  
• No diagnosis required (suspected or diagnosed)  
• Sliding scale fees to improve accessibility  
• Programs for ages 3 through adulthood  
• Live online support available  

This model ensures that more families can access high-quality, personalized support regardless of their starting point. 

What to Expect from Summer Tutoring 

Summer tutoring is not about replicating school; it’s about approaching learning in a way that works for the individual. 

Sessions focus on: 

• Strengthening foundational skills  
• Building confidence through success  
• Developing strategies that transfer into the school year  
• Creating positive learning experiences  

Parents often report not just academic progress, but noticeable shifts in mindset. 

“With the session online, it’s lovely to hear the laughter and also the progress.” 

That combination, progress and enjoyment, is what drives long-term success. 

Setting Up the Next School Year 

The goal of summer learning is to ensure learners feel prepared, confident, and capable when they return to school. When learners head into September with stronger skills and a more positive relationship with learning, everything changes: 

• They engage more readily  
• They approach challenges with confidence  
• They build independence over time  

Final Thought 

Summer is not just a pause, it’s an opportunity. With the right support, learners can strengthen key skills and grow confidence. 

Apply today to give your child a stronger start to the next school year. 

– Virginia Van Zee, Senior Manager, Instruction & Innovation

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.