Summer vacation is in full swing, and for many children that means spending long days at home or attending summer camps. But not every family can afford camps that include educational activities.

Experts say children lose an average of two months of reading skills over the summer, making it harder for some students to return to the classroom ready to learn.

Communities In Schools, a Dallas nonprofit, is working to help students stay on track not only during the school year but throughout the summer months.

The organization encourages parents of children younger than 11 to make small adjustments at home that can help build reading skills and give students a head start before returning to class in August.

Even simple educational activities during summer break can help students maintain their progress and prepare for the upcoming school year.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.