Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Should Kids Do School Work Over Holidays?
As summer holidays begin, parents worry about their kids forgetting what they've learned in school.
But research shows that the 'summer learning loss' isn't as big as people think, and kids quickly catch up when school starts again.
Kids need a break to rest and explore other types of learning, like playing outside, traveling, or doing part-time jobs.
Parents can help by keeping some routine, like reading before bed, and making learning fun with games and everyday activities.
The holidays are a chance for kids to rest, connect with family, and learn in different ways, which can be more valuable in the long run.
Research shows 'summer learning loss' is uneven and less dramatic than folklore suggests.
Kids need a break to support their wellbeing and explore diverse learning opportunities.
Long breaks allow for social, cultural, physical, and emotional learning.
Parents can support subtle learning through games, everyday literacy, and numeracy activities.
The holidays are a developmental gift, offering rest, connection, and diverse forms of learning.
- Who
- Parents and children
- What
- Debate on whether kids should do school work over holidays
- When
- During summer holidays
- Where
- Not specified
- Why
- To prevent summer learning loss and support wellbeing
- Summer Learning Loss
- Uneven and less dramatic than folklore suggests
- Benefits of Holidays
- Supports wellbeing, allows for diverse learning
- Recommended Approach
- Light touch, focus on wellbeing and diverse learning
- Learning Beyond School
- Social, cultural, physical, and emotional learning
- Subtle Learning
- Board games, puzzles, everyday literacy and numeracy
- Author
- Sarah Jefferson, Senior Lecturer in Education, Edith Cowan University