Within 24 to 48 hours after learning new concepts, students often begin to forget information unless it is reinforced or applied immediately.

That’s why during summer break even the best students forget lessons they have learned during the school year.

While a break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, if students aren’t using the skills they acquired in the classroom, they could find themselves lagging behind once the school bell rings again.

Sylvan Learning of Kirkland, the leading provider of tutoring, offers recommendations for making the most of your child’s summer break:

• Writing: To help writing skills, encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a grandparent or friend.

If you are traveling on a vacation, ask your child to keep a travel journal recording where you stayed and what you did.

At the end of every day, talk through the activities with your child and help him or her with a journal.

• Mathematics: Helping mom or dad with grocery shopping develops opportunities to use math skills, such as making change, weighing fruits and vegetables, etc.

Providing assistance with cooking can also familiarize children with weights and measures, organization and planning and following a recipe.

Perhaps you and your children could make a special dessert for the whole family.

• Reading: You can’t start too early. You can’t read too much.

Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and communication.

For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting. Local libraries offer infinite resources for children. Many libraries offer free children’s programs and clubs.

• Book lists & Reading Goals: There is an abundance of sites that provide summer reading lists for children.

At www.BookAdventure.com, children (ages kindergarten through the 8th grade) create personalized book lists from more than 7,000 recommended titles, take quizzes on the books, and earn points towards small prizes. The program is designed to motivate students to read more.

• Analysis and Logic: Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but they can help children to develop and reinforce skills.

A simple card game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking. Be sure to select games appropriate for your child’s age level.

• Summer Enrichment Programs: There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out-of-session.

Patricia Salvaggio is center director of Sylvan Learning of Kirkland. Contact Patricia at psalvaggio@sylvannw.com or 425-823-6727.