Summer evokes fun and relaxation-maybe a day swimming or a sweet treat like ice cream-and a break from school. But for many kids, it also means a break from reading practice, which can lead to learning loss. Known as the “summer slide,” this decline in reading skills can set students back two to three months, making it harder to start the next school year strong. As a classroom teacher and a reading tutor, I often hear parents bemoan the lack of structure in the summer and how much their child forgets over the summer months.
The good news? Summer reading programs are a simple and effective way to keep kids engaged in reading while preventing skill loss. These programs are designed to make reading fun, structured, and rewarding, encouraging kids to develop a love for books while strengthening their literacy skills.
If you’re wondering whether a summer reading program is worth it, here are NINE amazing benefits that can help your child stay on track and develop strong reading habits for life!
1. Prevents Summer Learning Loss (“The Summer Slide”)
Daily reading helps maintain literacy skills. A good rule of thumb is to spend about 10 minutes a day per grade level (10 minutes for first grade, 20 minutes for second grade, etc.), but if your child is not reading regularly, start small and slowly build reading stamina. Depending on their age and skill level, this could be independent reading or time reading with you. The goal is consistent practice, not a certain length of time.
Children who participate in summer reading programs retain more of what they learned and perform better in the new school year. In my classroom, I could quickly tell which families made a priority of reading over the summer-those students were ready for the challenges of the new year!
How to Help:
- Encourage daily reading time and sign up for a library summer reading challenge to keep kids motivated!
- You can also set some family goals or create a family chart to see who reads the most pages or books in the summer months.
2. Builds Reading Fluency and Confidence
Fluency is the ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. Without regular reading practice, fluency can decline, making reading frustrating and slow when school starts again.
Summer reading programs provide consistent, low-pressure reading practice to help kids maintain fluency. Without a whole class surrounding them, your child can go at their own pace and not compare themselves to other students.
Kids build confidence when they see their reading improving through consistent, enjoyable reading sessions.
How to Help:
- Try paired reading—take turns reading sentences or paragraphs to model fluent reading.
- Try a reader’s theater with different parts and perform for family or friends. You could even make simple costumes or props to increase the excitement.
3. Improves Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills
Reading isn’t just about recognizing words—it’s about understanding, analyzing, and making connections. Many summer reading programs include guided questions, book discussions, and comprehension activities to build these skills.
Kids learn to summarize, predict, and infer (use clues to figure out) meaning from what they read.
They engage in deeper thinking by discussing books with family, friends, or library reading groups.
How to Help:
- Ask your child who, what, when, where, why, and how questions about their reading to encourage comprehension.
- Model thinking aloud and talking about what you are reading, both personal books and books you read together, and encourage your child to share their thoughts, including likes and dislikes, about their reading.
- Ask a librarian or classroom teacher for book recommendations for your child’s age and get friends together to have a party and talk about a book they read over the summer.
4. Encourages a Love for Reading
Summer reading programs focus on choice and fun, which helps kids develop a lifelong love of books. Unlike school reading assignments, these programs allow children to pick books they actually enjoy.
Many programs offer incentives and rewards to encourage participation.
Kids discover new genres, series, and authors that spark excitement.
How to Help:
- Let your child choose their own books, even if they prefer graphic novels, magazines, or audiobooks! Choosing books together can be fun-with a trip to a local library, or browse a digital collection like Epic or Hoopla.
5. Strengthens Vocabulary and Language Skills
Reading exposes kids to new words, sentence structures, and ideas—all of which help improve spoken and written language skills.
Kids learn new vocabulary words in context, helping them remember meanings.
They develop better grammar, spelling, and writing skills by seeing correct language use.
How to Help:
- Keep a “word journal” where your child writes down and discusses new words they learn. Have them illustrate the word or use it in a sentence to help strengthen the connections.
- Create a “word wall” on a mirror, refrigerator, or cabinet door, so they can frequently see the new vocabulary words.
- Do a “chalk talk” and write/illustrate vocabulary words on the sidewalk.
6. Promotes Independent Learning and Responsibility
Many summer reading programs encourage kids to track their progress, set goals, and complete challenges, helping them take ownership of their learning.
Keeping a reading log or digital tracker fosters accountability. Even a free site like Goodreads can help track completed titles and keep track of what your child wants to read next.
Completing a reading challenge helps kids feel a sense of achievement and motivation.
How to Help:
- Use stickers, charts, or apps to let your child track their summer reading progress! Let your child mark off each book that they complete.
- Reaching a goal is satisfying, but some children might need the extra motivation of a small prize (maybe a new book!). It does not need to be extravagant, but pick something that matters to your child. For some, a note or certificate will be meaningful, while others may enjoy special time with you, or a favorite treat.
7. Offers Fun, Social Reading Experiences
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity—many summer reading programs include book clubs, group discussions, and interactive activities that make reading a shared experience.
Kids participate in library events, online book discussions, and read-alouds. Younger children especially enjoy special read alouds, perhaps with a themed party or even a puppet show. Older students may enjoy listening to a story read by a favorite author, actor, or sports celebrity.
Talking about books helps boost comprehension and engagement.
How to Help:
- Organize a family or neighborhood book club to keep reading social and fun.
- Ask what programs are available at your local library or school over the summer months.
- Find a place (like a park) that your family enjoys, and take the reading party outside!
8. Helps Struggling Readers Catch Up
For children who struggle with reading, summer is the perfect time to focus on skill-building without the pressure of school assignments or grades.
Extra reading practice in the summer can help kids make up lost ground and enter the next grade with more confidence.
Pick books that are just right for your child, even if they are not reading at grade level. Ask your classroom teacher for recommendations for their level or use the five finger rule-If they make more than five errors on a page, it is too difficult and you need to choose an easier book.
High-dosage reading tutoring can provide structured, one-on-one support for phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
How to Help:
If your child needs extra support, consider an online reading tutor for personalized instruction.
9. Prepares Kids for a Strong Start in the New School Year
Students who read over the summer return to school ready to learn. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and behind, they start the year with confidence and strong reading habits.
Kids who read regularly adapt more easily to academic challenges. They also have built up stamina (like exercising your brain!), which will help them focus and retain more once school starts.
Teachers report that students who participate in summer reading programs transition more smoothly into the new grade level.
How to Help:
Set a realistic summer reading goal—even one book per week can make a difference!
How to Find the Right Summer Reading Program
📚 Local Library Programs: Many libraries offer free summer reading challenges with book lists and prizes.
📖 Online Reading Programs: Websites like Scholastic, PBS Kids, and Reading Rockets offer engaging summer reading activities.
👩🏫 Online Reading Tutoring: Savvy Learning provides one-on-one tutoring to help struggling readers gain confidence and improve skills.
Why Online Reading Tutoring Is a Great Summer Option
If your child struggles with reading, summer tutoring can provide the extra support they need to thrive.
Flexible schedules—learn from home at convenient times.
Personalized instruction—focus on phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
Prepares kids for the next school year—without school pressure.
Savvy Learning’s online reading tutoring helps kids stay on track, build skills, and develop confidence in reading all summer long!
Final Thoughts
Summer reading programs help kids stay engaged, prevent learning loss, and build strong literacy skills. Whether through library programs, book clubs, or online tutoring, summer reading is one of the best investments in your child’s academic future.
- Prevent the summer slide by encouraging daily reading.
- Make reading fun with engaging programs and book choices.
- Give struggling readers the support they need to start school strong.
📚 Want expert reading support this summer? Contact Savvy Learning today to learn how our tutors can help your child build confidence and literacy skills all summer long!
