By Jennifer Green, Associate Head of School

Summer break is here—a time when children recharge, slow down, and, perhaps most importantly, grow. As parents, we often feel the tension between wanting our kids to relax and fearing the infamous “summer slide.” But this season doesn’t have to be a choice between fun and learning. We spoke with our teachers at The Pegasus School for expert tips on how parents, with a little intention and curiosity, can craft a summer that embraces discovery, independence, and joy. 

Nurture Curiosity Through Conversation

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support your child’s development is through daily conversations. Pegasus First-grade teacher Kate Enright encourages parents to seize everyday moments—like car rides or dinner—to ask thoughtful questions and engage kids in reflection. Try a quick game of “Rose and Thorn” where each family member shares a high and low point of their day, or ask a “Would You Rather?” to spark creativity and laughter. These conversations build vocabulary, empathy, and critical thinking—all while strengthening your bond.

Say Yes to Playful Exploration

Third-grade teacher Kyra Sandstrom reminds us that fun has a purpose too. Her favorite summer tradition with her sons was a “Yes Day”—a child-designed day full of joyful spontaneity (within reason, of course!). Ice cream for breakfast? Yes. Making homemade cookies? Yes. Building in these moments of freedom fosters independence, imagination, and a sense of agency in your child.

Encourage Curiosity About the World

Embracing your child’s natural curiosity with small adventures and hands-on experiments is something science teacher, Johna Bogue advises. Visit local gems like the Discovery Cube, the OC Zoo, or the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. At home, dive into a science kit from MEL Science or try one of Mark Rober’s Builder Boxes. Whether it’s watching ants build a colony or mixing a baking soda volcano, science invites questions—and the best answers often lead to more.

Foster a Love of Reading (and Talking About It)

There are many ways to enjoy a book. Rebecca Gordon, sixth-grade English teacher, offers a flexible reading goal for the summer: just read—or listen to—something, anything, and talk about it. Whether it’s a novel, a manga, a news story, or an audiobook, the magic is in the conversation. Ask your child what happened in the story, what surprised them, what they liked or disliked. These discussions improve comprehension, empathy, and communication skills.

Grow a Mathematical Mindset

Dani Shapiro, our math specialist, recommends adding The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires to your home library. This charming picture book teaches kids that problem-solving is a messy, iterative process—and that’s okay. The book normalizes frustration and encourages persistence, which is at the heart of all mathematical thinking. It’s a great reminder that summer learning doesn’t have to look like worksheets; it can start with a good story and a willingness to try again.

Let Summer Be a Launchpad

Summer isn’t just a break. It’s  a chance for children to develop passions, confidence, and skills that will shape their next chapter. Let them help plan a family outing. Teach them how to make their favorite snack. Encourage them to try something new, whether it’s skateboarding, coding, sewing, or gardening. Every small effort plants seeds of independence and identity.

Embrace Summer with a Purposeful Routine

Summer often brings a break from the usual schedule, and that’s part of the fun! However, routines especially in the evening can help children feel secure and make the transition back to school much smoother. Head of School, Dr. McDuffie, reminds us that brushing teeth, reading before bed, and maintaining a consistent bedtime and aiming for 10 hours of sleep can make a difference. Some children can be sensitive to changes in routine and may struggle more than expected with transitions. A steady rhythm provides predictability and emotional stability, helping them manage their energy and feelings effectively.

So this summer, embrace the balance. Let your child rest, but also invite them to wonder. Let them play, but also challenge them to think and explore. With a bit of intention, the months ahead can be filled with laughter, connection, and growth that will last far beyond the final beach day.