How to avoid the summer slide with English practice tips

Summer is the perfect time to relax, but that doesn’t mean your English skills need to take a holiday too. Without regular practice, it’s easy to lose fluency, confidence, and vocabulary over the summer months. This is known as the “summer slide”, and it affects learners of all ages.

The good news? Keeping your English fresh doesn’t have to feel like school. With just a few minutes a day and the right tools, you can stay sharp and even improve while still enjoying your summer break.

1. Listen while you chill: podcasts & audiobooks

Whether you’re at the beach, on a hike, or just relaxing at home, audio content is an easy win. Choose English-language podcasts on topics you enjoy — travel, sports, comedy, or even true crime. Try:

• The English We Speak (BBC Learning English – Intermediate level)
• Luke’s English Podcast
• TED Talks Daily (advanced level)
• Audiobooks on apps like Audible or Storytel

Tip: Don’t worry about understanding every word. Just keep listening. It’s great for your ears and your vocabulary.

2. Play your way to better English

Language apps and games are perfect for keeping your brain active without feeling like work. Try:

• Duolingo or Wordwall for daily practice
• LyricsTraining to learn English through music
• Online quizzes and crosswords in English

Even just changing your phone language to English for the summer can make a difference!

3. Watch with purpose

Streaming a series or film in English? That counts! Add English subtitles (or turn them off if you’re ready for a challenge). You’ll pick up natural phrases, pronunciation, and cultural references.

Need ideas?

• Stranger Things – fun slang and clear speech
• The Crown – British accents and formal language
• Friends – everyday American English and jokes

4. Keep a summer journal (in English!)

Write a few sentences each day about what you did, saw, or felt. Don’t stress about grammar, just keep writing. It’s a great habit that helps with vocabulary and sentence structure.

You can even use apps like Grammarly to check and learn from your mistakes.

5. Join an intensive course

If you’re aiming for a qualification before the new school year, then a summer course is the way to go.

At Trilingo Idiomas, we offer intensive courses to help you achieve the next CEFR level. Our qualified teachers help you achieve your goals, with Cambridge exams at the end of course so you can start the new term with the level you want.

However you choose to keep your English current, have a fantastic summer!