Preventing the “Summer Slide”: Engaging in Reading and Math Activities for the School Break

Summer break offers children a well-deserved respite from the structure of the school year, but it can also lead to an unintended learning gap. Research suggests that , a phenomenon often referred to as the “summer slide.” This decline in academic skills can and may affect children’s confidence in both subjects.

Parents play an important role in helping to bridge this gap by incorporating engaging and purposeful learning opportunities into their children’s daily routines. Learning does not have to feel like a chore; simple, enjoyable activities focused on reading and math can keep children intellectually engaged while still allowing them to make the most of their summer. By making learning , parents can help maintain and even strengthen their child’s academic skills during the break. 

For parents seeking ways to support their children’s continued learning over the holidays, this article offers a range of practical, research-informed strategies. From developing consistent reading habits to exploring math-focused problem-solving activities, these ideas are designed to keep children motivated, curious, and engaged in learning long after they leave the classroom. 

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Summary of Contents:

Preventing the “Summer Slide”: Engaging in Reading and Math Activities for the School Break

• Daily Reading Rituals

• Math in Everyday Life

• 911�Թ�’s Singapore Math Kangaroo Competition Results

• Creative Writing and Storytelling

• Educational Games and Apps

• Outdoor Learning Activities

• Library Visits or Virtual Book Clubs

• Reflection and Goal-Setting

• Integrating Cross-Disciplinary Activities

• Family or Peer Learning Projects

How We Support Academic Continuity at 911�Թ�

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1. Daily Reading Rituals

Establishing a daily reading routine is one of the most effective ways to help children maintain their literacy skills during the summer months. Setting aside just 15 to 30 minutes each day for reading can strengthen comprehension, expand vocabulary, and provide a sense of structure throughout the break. Encourage your child to explore a variety of reading materials, including storybooks, age-appropriate nonfiction, magazines, and graphic novels, to keep their interest and curiosity engaged. Reading together and discussing books can further deepen understanding while making the experience more interactive and enjoyable. Parents can also lead by example. By making time to read themselves, they demonstrate that reading is both enjoyable and valuable, helping children see it as a meaningful activity to prioritize even when school is out.

2. Math in Everyday Life

Math learning can continue naturally throughout the summer when it is incorporated into everyday activities. Simple tasks such as measuring ingredients while cooking, estimating costs during shopping trips, or calculating distances on family outings provide practical and engaging opportunities to reinforce mathematical concepts. Even activities like organizing toys, keeping score in games, or playing board games can help strengthen numeracy and logical thinking skills. By applying math in real-world situations, children gain a deeper understanding of how numerical skills are used in everyday life. These hands-on experiences not only make learning more meaningful but also help maintain confidence and fluency in problem-solving throughout the school break.The impact of developing strong mathematical foundations can be seen in the achievements of 911�Թ� students in the Singapore Math Kangaroo Competition 2025–2026.

911�Թ�’s Singapore Math Kangaroo Competition Results

Overall Results: 21 Gold, 32 Silver, and 45 Bronze awards

Outstanding Highlights

in their category, earning the highest country ranking, global score, and school ranking:

• Siu Hwang
• Chihiro Ozaki

These accomplishments reflect the value of nurturing mathematical thinking from an early age. Whether through classroom learning or everyday activities at home, consistent exposure to problem-solving opportunities helps students build confidence, strengthen critical-thinking skills, and develop a deeper understanding of mathematics in meaningful contexts.

3. Creative Writing and Storytelling

Creative writing activities, such as journaling and story writing, are excellent ways to strengthen literacy skills while nurturing a child’s imagination. These exercises support vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and written communication, while also giving children an opportunity to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Storytelling activities—whether spoken or written—can further enhance narrative development and sequencing skills, both of which are important foundations for literacy.

To keep the experience engaging, consider introducing writing prompts, creative challenges, or story starters that encourage children to think imaginatively and explore new ideas. By making writing enjoyable and interactive, parents can help children build confidence in their language skills while fostering a lasting interest in self-expression and storytelling.

4. Educational Games and Apps

Interactive games and digital learning apps can make educational activities both engaging and effective. Many age-appropriate reading and math apps incorporate puzzles, challenges, and rewards that reinforce key concepts while keeping children motivated. Similarly, board games and card games that involve numbers, words, or strategic thinking can provide valuable learning opportunities in a fun and social setting.

The key is to select activities that strike a balance between entertainment and educational value. Rather than simply keeping children occupied, the best games and apps encourage them to practice critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in ways that complement and reinforce what they learn at school.

5. Outdoor Learning Activities

Summer provides an ideal opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom and connect it with the outdoors. Everyday experiences can become valuable educational moments, whether children are practicing math through measurement activities, counting exercises, or identifying patterns in nature. Exploring the outdoors encourages curiosity while helping children apply academic concepts in meaningful, real-world settings.

Activities such as observing and recording natural phenomena, collecting and classifying objects, or participating in scavenger hunts that involve sorting and categorizing can strengthen analytical and critical-thinking skills in an engaging way. By combining physical activity with cognitive challenges, these experiences make learning more memorable and enjoyable while helping children recognize that the skills they develop in school are just as relevant in their everyday lives.

6. Library Visits or Virtual Book Clubs

Regular visits to the library or participation in virtual book clubs can expose children to a diverse range of reading materials and ideas. Exploring different genres and formats—from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and graphic novels—helps broaden vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for reading. This variety also encourages children to discover new interests and develop confidence in their reading abilities.

Discussing books with peers, siblings, or parents can further enrich the experience by fostering critical thinking, communication, and active listening skills. These conversations help make reading a more interactive and social activity rather than a solitary one. For parents unsure where to begin, local libraries are often an excellent resource, offering curated reading lists, seasonal programs, and educational activities designed to keep children engaged, curious, and intellectually stimulated throughout the school break.

7. Reflection and Goal-Setting

The opportunity to reflect on progress and set personal goals is just as valuable for children as it is for adults. Taking time to engage in this process with your child can help foster self-motivation, accountability, and a sense of ownership over their learning. For example, you might encourage them to track their reading progress, set weekly learning goals, or maintain a journal to record what they have learned each day.

Be sure to celebrate milestones along the way, no matter how small. Recognizing effort and achievement can boost confidence and encourage children to stay engaged and motivated. Beyond helping to maintain academic skills during the summer, these reflective practices cultivate lifelong learning habits, including independence, goal-setting, and effective planning.

8. Integrating Cross-Disciplinary Activities

Activities that combine multiple academic skills can make learning both more engaging and more meaningful. Projects such as designing a simple garden or creating a budget for a pretend store allow children to apply a range of concepts within a single task. As they work through these activities, they practice skills such as measurement, sequencing, calculation, and comprehension, helping them understand how different areas of learning connect and complement one another. These interdisciplinary experiences encourage creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity while providing opportunities for hands-on problem-solving.

9. Family or Peer Learning Projects

Collaborative projects provide children with valuable opportunities to apply the literacy and numeracy skills they learn at school in a social, hands-on setting. Working with friends, siblings, or family members on activities such as planning a small event or creating a craft that involves measurement, sequencing, and problem-solving allows them to practice important organizational and communication skills while reinforcing academic concepts.

These projects make learning more engaging by blending creativity with real-world application. While parents can offer guidance and support throughout the process, allowing children to take the lead encourages independence, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning.

How We Support Academic Continuity at 911�Թ�

911�Թ� International School emphasizes academic continuity, recognizing its importance in supporting long-term student success. The school’s goal is to help students develop and strengthen foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and other core subjects throughout the year. Through a structured and progressive curriculum, children build upon previously acquired knowledge while advancing at each grade level, ensuring they enter every new academic year with confidence and readiness to learn. 

To support this growth, teachers provide personalized guidance tailored to individual needs, helping students achieve their full potential. A wide range of physical and digital learning resources further enhances the educational experience, reinforcing comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills both inside and outside the classroom. 

Beyond its curriculum design, 911�Թ� fosters a culture of engagement and curiosity that encourages students to explore ideas independently and remain motivated beyond the classroom. Collaborative activities, inquiry-based projects, co-curricular programs, and opportunities for self-directed learning work together to cultivate a genuine love of learning, inspiring students to continue exploring and growing even during school breaks. 

We would be delighted to help you determine whether 911�Թ� is the right fit for your child. If you have any questions about our curriculum, school culture, community, academic semesters, or any other aspect of school life, please do not hesitate to contact our admissions team.

Design Thinking in Action: How Project-Based Learning Prepares Middle School Students to Solve Real-World Problems

Middle school is a distinctive stage in a child’s development. Curiosity remains strong, but it begins to take on clearer direction. Students start asking more thoughtful questions, forming their own opinions, and seeking ways to make sense of the world around them. This makes it an ideal time to move beyond rote memorization and introduce learning that feels both meaningful and relevant. At 911�Թ� International School (SAIS) in Singapore, we embed design thinking directly into our IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), giving students in Grades 6 through 10 a structured method for tackling real challenges, from community sustainability to school-wide systems improvement.

One approach that supports this shift is . With its focus on human-centered problem-solving, it helps transform questions into actionable solutions. When paired with project-based learning, it empowers students to take on real-world challenges and see the tangible impact of their ideas. 

In this article, we explore how these strategies come together in the middle school classroom, showing how students can move from curiosity to action, build critical skills, and create work that truly matters.

Summary of Contents:

Design Thinking in Action: How Project-Based Learning Prepares Middle School Students to Solve Real-World Problems

Understanding Design Thinking and Its Role in Learning

• What Is Design Thinking?

• Why Does Design Thinking Matter for Students?

• How Does Design Thinking Connect with Project-Based Learning?

How Project-Based Learning Trains Students to Apply Design Thinking

• Grounding Learning in Real-World Contexts

• Teaching Students to Start with Empathy

• Encouraging Open-Ended Questioning

• Developing Creative Confidence through Ideation

• Making Iteration a Normal Part of Learning

• Strengthening Collaboration and Communication

• Integrating Technology and Innovation Tools

• Connecting Learning across Subjects

• Encouraging Reflection and Self-Assessment

Why Design Thinking Prepares Middle School Students for Real-Life Problem Solving

911�Թ� International School in Singapore: Where Design Thinking Comes to Life

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Understanding Design Thinking and Its Role in Learning

At its core, design thinking is a structured approach to problem-solving that centers on real human needs. When paired with project-based learning, it becomes a powerful tool, enabling students not only to understand concepts, but also to apply them in practical and creative ways. 

1. What Is Design Thinking?

While design thinking is often described as a process, it is equally a mindset. It encourages students to approach challenges with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to experiment.

At its most fundamental level, design thinking follows a series of key stages. Students begin by understanding a problem from the perspectives of others. They then define the core issue, generate possible solutions, test their ideas, and refine them based on feedback.

What sets this approach apart is its focus on people. Rather than solving problems in isolation, middle school students learn to consider how their ideas affect others, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and relevance.

2. Why Does Design Thinking Matter for Students?

Rather than feeling stuck when they don’t immediately know the answer, students learn to break problems into manageable parts. They grow more comfortable exploring possibilities, even when outcomes are uncertain, building confidence along the way. Over time, challenges begin to feel less like obstacles and more like opportunities to learn and improve. Middle school is an ideal period to introduce this methodology. Students at this age are developing the cognitive flexibility to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously, but they still need scaffolding to apply that capacity to structured problems. 

3. How Does Design Thinking Connect with Project-Based Learning?

provides the environment in which design thinking can take shape. It gives students the opportunity to engage in sustained problem-solving projects that require research, collaboration, and critical thinking.

The relationship between these elements can be understood simply: design thinking shapes how students approach problems, while project-based learning shapes how they work through them. Real-world contexts, in turn, give their efforts meaning and relevance. 

Together, these elements shift learning from passive absorption to active engagement. Rather than simply learning concepts, your child is applying them in practical, purposeful ways. 

How Project-Based Learning Trains Students to Apply Design Thinking

Project-based learning offers an engaging, structured way to build the habits and skills that enable students to apply design thinking in meaningful contexts. The two approaches intersect in several important ways.

1. Grounding Learning in Real-World Contexts

Learning becomes more relevant when students engage in projects connected to real issues. Instead of asking, “When will I ever use this?” your child begins to see how knowledge applies to everyday life. Projects that explore environmental challenges, community needs, or global concerns reinforce this connection. Rooted in practical realities, these topics encourage students to approach their work with greater purpose and seriousness. 

2. Teaching Students to Start with Empathy

A central element of design thinking is understanding the people affected by a problem. This practice is integral to project-based learning, where students are often encouraged to consider multiple perspectives before proposing solutions. It may involve researching user experiences or engaging directly with community members, as well as reflecting on how decisions impact others. Through this process, your child develops empathy alongside strong analytical skills. 

3. Encouraging Open-Ended Questioning

Strong projects begin with strong questions. Rather than following fixed instructions, students are encouraged to explore possibilities and think more independently. 

They learn to ask questions such as:

• Why does this problem exist?
• Who is affected by it?
• What might happen if we approached it differently?

This habit of inquiry helps your child move beyond surface-level understanding and engage more deeply with the subject matter.

4. Developing Creative Confidence through Ideation

In traditional settings, students often feel pressure to arrive at the “right” answer as quickly as possible. Project-based learning, by contrast, creates space for exploration. During the ideation phase, students are encouraged to generate multiple solutions, with no single idea dismissed too early in the process.

This approach helps your child see that creativity is not simply an innate talent, but a skill that can be developed through iteration, openness, and a willingness to improve.

5. Making Iteration a Normal Part of Learning

One of the most valuable lessons students gain through project-based learning is that first attempts are rarely perfect. Revision is not an exception but an expected part of the process. Students test their ideas, gather feedback, and refine their work accordingly.

This iterative cycle helps them view mistakes as a natural part of progress rather than as signs of failure. Over time, this perspective builds resilience and encourages a greater willingness to take thoughtful risks, supported by the understanding that improvement is always possible.

6. Strengthening Collaboration and Communication

Real-world problem-solving rarely happens in isolation, and project-based learning reflects this reality by emphasizing collaboration. Students work in teams where they must share ideas, listen to different perspectives, and make collective decisions.

They are also expected to present their findings, which helps them develop the ability to communicate clearly and confidently. These experiences prepare your child for environments where collaboration is essential, both in higher education and future careers.

7. Integrating Technology and Innovation Tools

Technology plays an important role in problem-solving, and modern learning environments reflect this by incorporating digital tools that students can use to research, design, and present their ideas. 

Well-designed innovation spaces further enhance this experience. These facilities allow students to build prototypes, experiment with materials, and test solutions in hands-on, practical ways. Rather than using technology passively, your child learns to apply it as a tool for creation, exploration, and problem-solving.

8. Connecting Learning across Subjects

Project-based learning often integrates multiple disciplines. In the course of a single project, a student may draw on elements of science, mathematics, the humanities, and the arts. This interdisciplinary approach helps your child see how knowledge connects across subject areas. It also encourages them to transfer and apply what they learn in one context to challenges in another, strengthening both understanding and adaptability.

9. Encouraging Reflection and Self-Assessment

Reflection is an essential part of the design thinking process. After completing a project, students are encouraged to consider what they have learned and how they approached the task.

They might reflect on questions such as:

• What worked well and why?
• What would I do differently next time?
• How has my understanding changed?

This practice helps your child develop self-awareness and .

Why Design Thinking Prepares Middle School Students for Real-Life Problem Solving

The challenges your child will face in the future are unlikely to have clear or immediate solutions. Design thinking prepares them to navigate this uncertainty by teaching them how to break problems down, test ideas, and adapt based on feedback. In doing so, they become more confident when approaching unfamiliar situations. 

At the same time, design thinking reinforces the idea that learning is an ongoing process, and that even effective solutions can be improved. This mindset encourages middle school students to keep asking questions and striving for better outcomes, rather than settling for what already works. 

Perhaps most importantly, design thinking helps students recognize that their work can make a real difference. When learning is connected to real-world impact, motivation becomes more intrinsic. Your child begins to understand that even at a young age, they are capable of contributing in meaningful ways. 

911�Թ� International School in Singapore: Where Design Thinking Comes to Life

At 911�Թ� International School, design thinking is embedded into the middle school experience through a combination of structured curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), students engage in inquiry-based learning that encourages curiosity, questioning, and reflection. In addition, the school offers project-based experiences such as interdisciplinary exhibitions and innovation showcases, giving students opportunities to apply their ideas in meaningful ways. Initiatives including climate-focused projects and collaborative events further allow students to explore real-world challenges while developing practical, solution-oriented approaches. This process is not theoretical. In Term 2 of the 24/25 academic year, a Grade 7 humanities class partnered with a local Singapore community garden to redesign their composting and food-waste collection system. Students interviewed garden coordinators, mapped the existing workflow, built three prototype collection-point designs from recycled materials in our Innovation Lab, and tested each one over two weeks. The team’s final design reduced volunteer collection time by an estimated 25%, verified by the garden’s operations lead. That cycle observe, define, build, test, improve – is design thinking in action. 

Service learning further strengthens this approach by connecting students with real community needs. Through engagement with authentic issues and reflection on their impact, students come to understand that problem-solving extends beyond the classroom—it is also a means of contributing meaningfully to the world around them. 

If you are looking for a school that prepares your child to think critically, act creatively, and approach real-world problems with confidence, you can learn more about how 911�Թ� supports middle school learners by connecting with our admissions team or visiting our campus.

SAIS Swim Team Shines at World School Swim Championships 2026

911�Թ� International School swimmers finish 3rd overall against 60 schools from five continents – a statement performance on one of the sport’s biggest international stages.

Twenty-six 911�Թ� swimmers made the trip to the iconic London Aquatics Centre on May 8-10 and came home with a haul of gold, silver and bronze medals, secured the U11 Best Boys team trophy, set a new school record.

Making History in the Pool

The standout moment came from Miller M. in the Boys 15 & Over division, who clocked 23.97 seconds in the 50m Freestyle to set a new SAIS school record. It marks the first time a 911�Թ� swimmer has broken the 24-second barrier. Miller added 2 silvers in the 100m Freestyle (54.97) and 50m Butterfly (27.28), along with a bronze – four podium finishes across the weekend.

Gold Medal Performances

Nathaniel Y. led the medal count with 3 individual golds, winning the 50m Butterfly (31.22), 100m Backstroke (1:14.95), 100m Individual medley (1:11.50), two relay golds in the Boys U11 200m Freestyle relay(2:10.95) and 200m Medley Relay(2:33.73). Seven events entered, five golds won.

Lion Y. matched that dominance in the Boys U11 division, taking four golds: the 50m Breaststroke (39.19), 100m Breaststroke (1:28.60), Boys 200m Freestyle Relay(2:10.95), and 200m Medley Relay(2:33.73). Lion also set three new age group school records over the weekend.

Leo Y. and Mujin K. claimed two golds in the Boys U11 200m Freestyle Relay(2:10.95) and 200m Medley Relay(2:33.73) with Nathaniel and Lion.

Emilia J. flew the flag for the girls’ team with a gold in the Girls U11 200m Freestyle (2:29.99), setting a new age group record in the process.

Silver and Bronze Highlights

The depth of the team showed across every session. Nils K. earned individual Silvers in the 100m Freestyle (59.89) and 100m Butterfly(1:09.28). Nathaniel earned Silver in 100m Freestyle (1.05.08), Lion Y. claimed Silver In 50m Freestyle (30.01), Emilia J. added two Silvers in the 100m Butterfly(1:24.57) and 200m Mixed Medley Relay (2:08.24) together with Nathaniel Y., Lion Y. And Louisa S. to the team’s total.

In the Bronze medal column, Aston C. delivered a strong 100m Butterfly and Nevan M. posted a 100m Backstroke. Miller, Aston,Nevan and Nils got the U19 200M Medley Relay Third place.

Breaking Records and Beyond

Beyond Miller Ma’s historic 50m Freestyle, the team rewrote the SAIS record books in multiple age groups. Nathaniel Yu, Lion Yang, Emilia Jarama Lescano, and Nevan Maiti all set new age group school records that future 911�Թ� swimmers will chase. All our swimmers have showcased our true LIONS’ spirit and achieved tremendous breakthrough in London.

“I’m incredibly proud of our 26 swimmers! This achievement reflects the elite training we cultivate here daily. I love the process of improvement and can’t wait to see them go even further.”

Zorro Chen, Head of Aquatics & Former National Record Holder

What This Means for the Program 

Finishing 3rd out of 60 schools from five continents puts SAIS swimming firmly among the top international school programs globally. The performance reflects the daily commitment of our swimmers, the strength of our coaching staff, and the world-class training facilities at our Woodleigh campus. 

To every swimmer who represented 911�Թ� in London: your school community is proud of you. 

Interested in learning more about our swim squad, athletics or co-curricular programs at 911�Թ�? If you’re new, schedule a campus tour or contact our Admissions team. If you’re part of our community, get in touch with cca@sais.com.sg or stay tuned for our upcoming season intake!