Summer offers a much-needed break from the school year routine. For students who struggle with reading comprehension or critical thinking, it also presents a valuable opportunity to rebuild skills and confidence without the pressure of daily classroom demands.
Studies show that students can lose up to two to three months of reading skills over summer break without consistent learning. This “summer slide” can hit students with learning gaps even harder, making it more difficult to catch up once the school year starts again.
At The Learning Lab, we designed two summer programs to help students stay on track: SMART Summer and FLEX Summer. These programs offer targeted instruction that helps students grow academically and walk into the fall with stronger skills, better habits, and a more confident mindset.
Here are five ways our summer programs help students improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking.
1. Personalized Instruction for Lasting Progress
No two brains are wired the same, so why should learning be one-size-fits-all? Whether your child needs support with decoding, retention, or building logical connections, our tutors customize every session to fit their pace, goals, and learning style.
Both the SMART and FLEX programs begin with a deep understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges. This allows us to create a truly individualized plan that reinforces fundamental reading and comprehension skills.
2. Multi-Sensory Learning Techniques That Improve Retention
Multi-sensory learning, which involves sight, sound, touch, and movement, helps students create stronger mental connections and improves memory.
At The Learning Lab, we incorporate interactive strategies such as storytelling, visual organizers, tactile tools, and movement-based activities. These methods make lessons more engaging and help students experience reading in a fun and approachable way.
Research shows that multi-sensory approaches increase attention and enhance retention and understanding, especially for students with dyslexia or other reading-based learning differences.
3. Building Critical Thinking Through Meaningful Activities
Reading is not just about sounding out words. Strong readers know how to think about what they read, make inferences, and ask questions. In our SMART Summer Program, students build these higher-order thinking skills through project-based learning and real-world problem-solving.
We guide students through activities that involve analyzing characters, exploring current events, and drawing conclusions. These types of lessons help students connect reading to their everyday lives and strengthen the thinking skills that lead to long-term academic success.
4. Flexible Schedules That Work With Your Summer Plans
We know your summer is packed with camps, vacations, and maybe a little (much-needed) downtime. That is why we created our FLEX Summer Program, which allows families to schedule sessions at times that work best for them.
This flexibility allows students to receive consistent, high-quality support throughout the summer without missing out on the break they deserve. Whether your child needs a few sessions a week or a full-time routine, we will help you create a schedule that supports progress without adding stress.
5. Confidence That Carries Into the School Year
Many students who struggle with reading start to believe they are not “good” at it. These beliefs can hold them back more than any academic challenge. One of the most powerful outcomes of our summer programs is watching students begin to believe in themselves again.
As students gain new tools, practice their skills, and see their own progress, they build the confidence to take on new challenges. By the end of the summer, many students walk into the new school year not only more prepared but more motivated to learn.
Why Summer Matters More Than You Think
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that learning loss over the summer contributes to nearly two-thirds of the achievement gap between students by ninth grade. This gap grows wider each year if students do not receive the right support. Our programs aim to close that gap.
Get Started Today
If your child needs to improve reading comprehension, boost critical thinking, or rebuild confidence this summer, we are here to help. The Learning Lab’s SMART and FLEX Summer Programs offer the personalized, multi-sensory support that many students need to grow.
Visit our Summer Programs Page to learn more, or reach out to schedule a consultation. Let’s make this summer a season of progress and possibility.
