Why a Reading Routine Matters More Than Ever This Summer
As summer break approaches, we all look forward to much-needed rest, sunshine, and family time. But there’s one thing we can’t afford to take a break from—reading.
The “Summer Slide” is real—and for struggling readers, it can create an even wider gap in reading proficiency going into a new school year.
❗ What Is the Summer Slide?
The “Summer Slide” refers to the learning loss students experience when they are not actively engaged in academic activities over the summer months.
Research shows that students can lose up to 2-3 months of reading progress during summer break if they don’t read consistently. Even more concerning—the effects compound year after year, especially for students who already face reading challenges.
🔍 According to the National Summer Learning Association, by 5th grade, summer learning loss can account for up to 2/3 of the reading achievement gap between low-income students and their peers.
🧠 Why It Matters for the Next School Year
Each grade level brings increased expectations. Students are expected to:
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Tackle more complex texts
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Engage in higher-level comprehension tasks
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Demonstrate independent thinking in writing and discussion
Without regular reading over the summer, students may enter the new school year already behind—leading to lower confidence, frustration, and missed opportunities to grow as readers.
💡 How Do We Prevent the Slide?
The good news? You don’t need a full curriculum to support summer learning. Just a consistent, engaging reading routine can help keep skills sharp and even promote growth.
Here are 5 easy ways to build a reading-rich summer:
1. Establish a Reading Routine
Aim for 20–30 minutes of daily reading. It could be before bed, after breakfast, or even during car rides. Consistency is key—routine builds habits.
2. Choose Book Series
Once kids fall in love with a character or storyline, they’ll keep reading. Series like Dog Man, The Baby-Sitters Club, Who Would Win?, or The Track Series by Jason Reynolds can pull readers in and keep them hooked.
3. Make Reading a Family Affair
Designate a family reading night each week. Everyone grabs a book—even you. Or, read a chapter book together as a read-aloud.
4. Visit the Library Weekly
Free, full of choice, and often with summer programs and challenges. Let kids explore different genres and formats—graphic novels count too!
5. Start a Simple Reading Journal
Have your child write or draw something after each book: What happened? What surprised them? What did they learn? This builds comprehension and reflection.
📊 Students who read just 6 books over the summer can maintain or even improve their reading levels. – Scholastic Summer Reading Report
✨ "Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary." – Jim Rohn
Reading isn’t just about school. It’s about connection, discovery, and confidence. When we empower kids to see reading as a part of everyday life, we open doors to their future success.
Summer reading isn’t just a way to pass the time—it’s a powerful bridge that helps students maintain and grow their reading skills between school years. When students engage in reading over the summer, they strengthen comprehension, expand vocabulary, and build stamina, which prevents the “summer slide”—a well-documented drop in reading achievement that can set students back months academically.
Consistent reading habits also promote confidence, spark curiosity, and keep minds active and engaged during the break. Whether students are exploring new genres, diving into a series, or reading with family, summer reading lays the groundwork for a stronger start in the fall and builds the foundation for lifelong literacy.
📥 Take Action Today
Don’t leave your scholar’s reading journey to chance. I’ve created a free, go-to Summer Reading List packed with student-approved, teacher-recommended books across all levels and genres.
👉 [Download My Summer Reading List Now]
Perfect for teachers to hand out at the end of the year—or parents to print and post on the fridge!
Let’s work together to stop the summer slide—and launch your child into the new school year ready, confident, and excited to read. 💪📖
With purpose,
Rhonda
Founder, Educating Readers Literacy Academy
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