Teen Summer Slide Prevention: 6 Ways to Stay Sharp Year Round
by Jillian Amodio, LMSW
Let’s be real, summer should be fun! We all remember that sense of freedom we felt as the final bell of the school year signaled our long-awaited freedom. Lazy days and late nights filled with ice cream, beach trips, bonfires, and hanging out with friends are a must. But let’s get honest about something else, too. The relaxing pace of summer can make it difficult for teens to get back into the swing of things come September. However, we can prevent the summer slide! So, what is a summer slide? It refers to the learning loss that many students experience while taking a three-month hiatus from structure and education. Summer should be fun, but it should be balanced fun. Keeping your teen’s mind in shape doesn’t have to look like summer school. It can look like summer cool. Learning doesn’t have to be homework and lectures. Learning can look like play! Here’s a list of local opportunities to keep teens engaged, entertained, and educated this summer:
1. AACPL’S SUMMER @ YOUR LIBRARY PROGRAM
Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) offers its annual Summer @ Your Library initiative, which promotes learning throughout the summer by encouraging all ages to read and attend educational programs for prizes. New this year is the Choose Your Own Adventure for teens. Participants can read or do activities to earn points and win prizes. One lucky winner will win a Nintendo Switch OLED edition! Visit aacpl.net/summer for more information. 2. ENROLL IN A COURSE AT ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (AACC) AACC is not just for high-school grads. Teens can explore classes on campus through Kids in College. This year’s personal enrichment classes include: • Roblox Coders • Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators
JULY 2025 | 13
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