Turn the summer slump into a summer boost!

Surviving the Summer Break: A Parent's Guide

With another academic year drawing to a close, you're probably breathing a sigh of relief at the thought of no more uniform prep, packed lunch assembly lines, or frantic school runs. But if you're anything like me, that initial relief quickly gives way to a different kind of stress—the complete lack of routine that comes with six weeks of summer holidays.

When I was juggling work commitments through every summer break, I found myself sitting down each year to meticulously plan the entire six-week stretch. Every club, every holiday, every activity mapped out in advance. It was the only way I could maintain my sanity!

Are you a planner or a freewheeler? Some parents thrive on spontaneous summer adventures, while others (like myself) need structure to function. There's no right or wrong approach—just what works for your family.

Let's be honest: fitting your work schedule around six weeks of non-stop childcare is genuinely challenging. The current system feels outdated—a relic from our agricultural past that simply doesn't match modern family life. Between the juggling act of finding coverage and the mounting costs of clubs and activities, it's exhausting for everyone involved.

My Number One Summer Tip …

Avoid the summer slump—keep their minds active and engaged.

The key is finding that sweet spot between giving kids the downtime they need and preventing the dreaded "brain drain" that can happen over such a long break.

📘 How to Keep Your Teen On Track for GCSE English This Summer

Summer’s the perfect time to keep skills sharp without the stress of exams. Here’s how you can support your child in building strong reading and writing habits ahead of the next academic year:

🧠 1. Encourage Regular Reading

• Choose a mix of fiction (e.g., Of Mice and Men, An Inspector Calls, or modern YA novels) and non-fiction (articles, opinion pieces, biographies).
• Aim for 20–30 minutes a day—even short daily reading builds vocabulary and comprehension.

📝 2. Get Them Writing Little and Often

• Have them write short reviews, opinions, or diary entries based on what they read or watch.
• Try timed writing practice: 10-minute responses to GCSE-style questions once or twice a week.

📺 3. Watch and Analyse Films or Documentaries

• Encourage them to think critically about storytelling, character development, and persuasive techniques.
• Use English-language films with subtitles to support language awareness.

✍️ 4. Encourage a Summer Journal

·        Ask your child to write a few sentences a day about what they did, saw, or enjoyed. It builds vocabulary, grammar, and writing confidence.

📚 5. Revisit Set Texts Creatively

• Try mind maps, quote flashcards, or character journals for literature texts.
• Watch stage or film adaptations of texts (e.g., Macbeth, Jekyll & Hyde) to keep them fresh.

🌐 6. Use GCSE-Focused Resources

• BBC Bitesize – Clear guides, videos, and practice activities.
• Seneca Learning – Free interactive revision for both Language and Literature.
• Mr Bruff (YouTube) – Engaging breakdowns of exam questions and texts.
• Save my Exams – Excellent website with lots of exam questions and papers 

✅ 7.  Join a Summer English Club or Class

Look for local or online programs that offer structured practice and peer interaction in English. Group learning can be both effective and motivating or get signed up to start in September.

Ready to explore how tutoring could benefit your child? Get in touch to discuss English Language support for the 2025-2026 academic year. Let's create a learning environment where your child feels confident to ask questions, make mistakes, and discover their potential.  Contact me via my Facebook page or here.