Featured Post from University of Delaware

Summer slide isn't just about academics

University of Delaware education experts share what parents should do now

Jul 22, 2026

2 min

As summer reaches its midpoint, many parents are wondering how to keep their children engaged without turning the rest of the break into summer school.

University of Delaware professors from the College of Education and Human Development say "summer slide" is real. However, preventing summer learning loss doesn't require expensive camps, tutors or educational apps. Instead, simple everyday activities can help children build academic skills, executive functioning and social-emotional development before they head back to school.

Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, internationally recognized expert in child development and early learning can comment on:

Why children lose academic skills over the summer – and why the effects are greatest for under-resourced families
Why parents shouldn't rely on "educational" apps
Free, research-backed ways to keep preschoolers and elementary-age children learning through play, reading and everyday activities like grocery shopping, puzzles and scavenger hunts

Andrea Glowatz, expert in special education and child development can comment on:

Why boredom is actually good for children – and how it builds creativity, problem-solving and independence
How summer routines help children, particularly those with learning differences or neurodivergence
Why chores, calendars and family routines strengthen executive functioning, not just responsibility

Sara Goldstein, expert in adolescent development and parent-teen relationships can comment on:

Why teenagers experience a version of the summer slide through increased screen time, disrupted sleep and reduced activity
Healthy ways parents can encourage independence before college, from managing money to building life skills
Research showing that strengthening parent-teen relationships during the summer benefits both parents and young adults

These experts can also comment on broader parenting topics including screen time, executive functioning, preparing children for the new school year, supporting neurodivergent learners, and helping teens transition to college.

If you're planning back-to-school or parenting coverage and want to speak with any of these experts, click on their profiles or email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Connect with:

Roberta Golinkoff

Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Chair and Professor

Prof. Golinkoff studies language development, playful learning, effects of media on children, spatial development, and applying her science.

Early Childhood Education Early Spatial DevelopmentPlayful LearningBenefits of PlayEffects of Media on Children

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