(BPT) - Mid-summer can be a tricky time for parents. The initial excitement of school break has worn off, and many kids start to feel restless, bouncing between boredom and bursts of energy. It's also a stretch of the year when learning tends to stall, with research confirming that many children experience a "summer slide," losing ground in reading comprehension and other subjects.
Adding to the challenge, studies show the average student attention span has shrunk 33% over the past two decades, making it harder than ever to keep kids focused. With recent assessments showing declines in reading for 4th graders over the last few years, many parents are wondering how to keep their children interested in learning, but in a way that still feels light, engaging, low effort and fun for the whole family.
Research shows that when kids are encouraged to explain their thinking, they engage more deeply, begin to revise their own ideas and fill gaps in their understanding. Learning doesn't require a lesson plan - it can come from asking 'why,' imagining 'what if,' and reflecting together out loud.
"Don't underestimate how much children can bring to learning," says Dr. Elizabeth Bonawitz, associate professor of Learning Sciences at Harvard University. "They don't always need new information or hands-on activities to grow. Thought experiments, playful questions, and open conversation can spark real understanding, especially when adults show genuine interest and curiosity."
Many parents worry that they need a more formal approach to help their children learn, but it's possible to spark curiosity and foster intellectual growth in ways that are easy and engaging for the whole household.
This kind of learning can take shape around the dinner table, during a walk in the park or while making a snack. With a few thoughtful prompts and a little room to imagine, everyday routines can become moments of discovery. The ideas that follow are grounded in this approach, offering a few easy ways to spark connection, curiosity and critical thinking this summer.
Serve up curiosity at mealtime with Bite-Sized Lessons
Mealtime is one of the rare moments when the whole family is in one place - a pause in the day ideal for sparking connection, conversation and curiosity. It's also a low-effort opportunity for parents to encourage learning without adding anything extra to their to-do list.
That's where HP's Bite-Sized Lessons come in. These free, printable placemats, created in partnership with Dr. Bonawitz and designed in collaboration with Highlights, combine research-backed learning strategies with bright, kid-friendly visuals that invite thought and discovery around the table. Specifically designed for kids aged 5-10 when imagination, curiosity and family connection deeply influence learning, topics range from sports and music to nature and animals, offering playful prompts and investigative thinking that keeps kids engaged.
While they're designed to make mealtime more meaningful, their print-and-go format is just as effective on the move, perfect for road trips, in restaurants or on an airplane.
Parents don't need to prep or have all the answers, either. In fact, showing interest in your child's thinking is often what sparks the richest conversations. Let the prompts be a starting point, and encourage your child to keep asking, wondering and imagining.
Available just in time for back-to-school prep, families and educators can print Bite-Sized Lessons for free at Printables.HP.com/us/en/learning.
Kids grow by growing things
Many daily activities you're already doing can invite participation and conversation. For example, most kids enjoy working outside in the garden, and their curiosity can be sparked by helping to prepare the soil, plant seeds and water flowers or vegetables.
An interest in natural sciences can be nurtured by hands-on exposure to growing plants right in your own backyard.
Explore local resources for family outings
Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the resources in your own area, which also helps kids learn about the world around them and ignites new interests.
From your local library or art museum to nearby zoos, planetariums or science centers, an occasional fun family field trip can expand your children's exposure to ideas and encourage even more discoveries.
Asking questions and sparking imaginations evoke learning that's compelling and empowering for kids. Tapping into their natural curiosity not only makes education fun, but will transform kids into lifelong learners.
