Summer break is a much-needed time for relaxation, but for young readers, it can also be a time of significant learning loss. Research shows that children who don’t engage in reading during the summer can lose months of progress {a mindblowing 20%!}. As teachers, we know how crucial it is to keep that momentum going, and encouraging summer reading is one of the best ways to help students maintain and even build on their skills that we all worked so hard to build during the school year!
Keep reading for some practical ideas and FREE resources to share with families to ensure that students continue to grow as readers over the summer!
Why Is Summer Reading Important?
- Prevents the Summer Slide: The “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that occurs when students are not actively engaged in learning during the summer months. Research suggests that children can lose up to one month of reading skills over the summer, which can impact their progress when they return to school in the fall.
- Builds a Lifelong Love of Reading: Summer is a great opportunity to make reading feel less like a school task and more like a fun, relaxing activity. When children choose books that interest them, reading can become a pleasurable experience, leading to lifelong readers.
- Keeps Skills Sharp: It isn’t just about preventing loss—it’s also about continuing to develop important skills. By reading books at home, children maintain and build vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills that will serve them well in the coming school year.
Ideas and Resources to Encourage Summer Reading
Here are some ideas that you can share with your families to help their kids stay engaged with reading during the summer:
Create a Summer Reading Challenge
Encourage families to complete a fun reading challenge! Whether it’s setting a goal of reading a certain number of books or completing the Summer Reading BINGO Board, a challenge helps keep kids motivated.
I’ve created two printable options for you to share with your families. You could even incentivize your students to return their completed challenges to school in the fall.
Book Lists and Recommendations
We take for granted that we “know” books! Give your families a list of books that are great for their child’s grade level. Be sure to include a variety of genres and topics so kids can pick what excites them most. Don’t forget to suggest a mix of picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels for different types of readers.
Or, share one of the lists I’ve curated to share with your families! There are three options to choose from. Share one or all!
Library Programs and Book Fairs
Many public libraries {and local independent book stores!} offer summer reading programs with rewards and incentives to keep kids engaged. Encourage families to participate in these programs and help their children select new books to enjoy over the summer. Luke was PUMPED to get a shirt at the end of the summer for all the books he read at our local library! He proudly wears that book shirt!
Before summer begins, grab the link for your local library’s summer reading program and share it with your families in your classroom newsletter.
Interactive Storytelling and Read-Alouds
Encourage families to make reading interactive by turning it into a fun family activity. Kids can take turns reading aloud, or parents can use dramatic voices to bring characters to life. There are also online storytime videos and audio books available for children to listen to.
Some of our favorite sites for digital content are Epic and Hoopla {free books with your library card!} Both of these sites give students access to popular audiobooks!
Set Up a Reading Space at Home
Having a designated reading nook can make reading feel more special. Encourage families to set up a cozy space with pillows, blankets, and shelves filled with books. This space can also be a quiet retreat where kids can escape into their books during the summer.
Incorporate Reading into Summer Activities
Encourage families to incorporate reading into everyday summer activities. Whether it’s reading recipes for making ice cream, reading directions for board games, or exploring nature books during a hike, there are endless ways to connect reading with fun summer experiences!
By promoting summer reading, teachers can help ensure that students continue to grow as readers even when school is out of session. It’s important to remind families that summer reading doesn’t need to be a stressful task; it should be an enjoyable part of the summer routine. By sharing these ideas and resources, teachers can empower families to support their child’s love of reading all summer long!
Looking for other ways to prevent the Summer Slide? Make sure to check out this post about the Summer B.A.T. Books! They’re filled with 40 math and language arts activities to keep those brains sharp!
Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
