Summer is a time for fun, rest, and family—but for young children, it can also lead to what educators call “summer learning loss.” That means some of the progress your child made during the school year can slip away without regular opportunities to learn and grow. The good news? You don’t need expensive programs or fancy gadgets to keep your preschooler learning. With a little creativity, your child can have a summer full of learning and joy!
Here are inexpensive, brain-boosting activities that Head Start and preschool parents can try this summer—plus some great free and low-cost resources right here in Austin, Texas.
Visit Your Local Library (It’s FREE!)
Austin Public Library offers much more than books. Each branch has storytimes, crafts, family events, and even free summer reading challenges with prizes to keep children motivated.
Library branches to check out:
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Little Walnut Creek Branch (North Austin)
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Cepeda Branch (East Austin)
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Ruiz Branch (Southeast Austin)
- Pleasant Hill Branch (South Austin)
👉 Find a library branch near you
Tip: Check out board books, picture books, and even bilingual titles. Let your child pick what interests them—they’re more likely to stay engaged!
Sing, Rhyme, and Dance
Music supports memory, language, and emotional development. Whether it’s “Wheels on the Bus” or a silly made-up tune, singing together helps your child learn rhythm, vocabulary, and social skills.
Try this: Have a family dance party or make your own instruments with pots, spoons, or empty containers.
Play Everyday Math
Math is everywhere! Count stairs as you climb, sort laundry by color, or play “I Spy” with shapes at the grocery store. These small moments help build your child’s early math and thinking skills.
Inexpensive activities:
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Count fruit at the store
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Make patterns with buttons or cereal
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Sort toys by size or color
Keep Writing Fun
Practice writing by making it part of play. Let your child “write” a grocery list, draw a map, or send a postcard to a friend or family member.
Low-cost tools to keep around:
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Sidewalk chalk
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Crayons and blank paper
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Magnetic letters on the fridge
Use Your Imagination
Pretend play builds vocabulary and problem-solving skills. Set up a pretend grocery store, doctor’s office, or restaurant at home using things you already have.
Get Crafty
Art builds fine motor skills and gives your child a way to express themselves.
Ideas using what you already have:
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Make collages with old magazines
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Paint with water on the sidewalk
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Create puppets from socks or paper bags
Keep a Routine
Even in summer, children thrive on routine. Try to keep consistent wake-up, meal, and bedtime hours, and build in time for learning through play each day.
Use Tech Wisely
If you have access to a computer or device, limit screen time and choose quality content. Look for interactive, educational games or read-along videos.
Free online resources:
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PBS Kids – Games, videos, and printables
- Storyline Online – Celebrities read picture books aloud
Remember—YOU Are Your Child’s First Teacher!
Talking with your child, listening to their stories, and exploring the world together is the most powerful learning tool they have.
Keep it simple, make it fun, and celebrate small moments of learning all summer long.
If you’re a Child Inc parent and need help accessing books, supplies, or ideas, reach out to your Family Advocate—we’re here to help.
