In between going to the beach and family vacations, it’s important for teens to make time for college planning. Summer is a perfect time for students to build their academic skills and set up a college planning schedule. Renée Gernand, director of College Planning Services at the College Board, advises, “If you work together as a family, by the time the senior year of high school rolls around, you’ll be on track to graduate and go to college.”

Here are some easy ways to help your children stay on the college path this summer.

Practice Reading and Writing - Thirty minutes of reading a day can do wonders for developing comprehension and communication skills — both are necessary for college success. Encourage your children to read books, newspapers or magazines. Need a suggestion? Check out 101 Great Books on collegeboard.com/padres under the tab Plan for College. To hone writing skills, students can keep a journal or blog, or by getting a head start on their college application essays.

Get Tutoring - According to summer school teacher Manny Martínez of San Jose, Calif., even though a child may not have been required to enroll in a summer course, he encourages parents to ask their children what skills they’d like to build and seek help. Community organizations or colleges in your area offer summer programs that build academic skills through fun activities. Look for low-cost or free programs through agencies like the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Seek Internships and Ways to Volunteer - Many kids enthusiastically seek summer work to earn spending money, but it should not be the only consideration. Internships or volunteer jobs help teens become excited about possible careers and college majors. Internships also build life skills: ...