Summer is for sunshine, popsicles, and play! But for children, too much time away from books can lead to a case of the summer slide. On average, children lose 1-2 months of reading progress during the summer, and it hits our youngest and most vulnerable learners the hardest.

But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! I created two fun and easy-to-use resources to help keep reading skills strong all summer long: a Free Starter Reading Packet and a Complete Summer Reading Packet packed with diverse book suggestions, simple activities, and tools parents can actually use.

In this post, I’m also sharing some quick, practical tips to help you make reading part of the summer fun – no worksheets or battles required!

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Why It Matters

• Kids in grades 3–5 lose about 20% of reading gains each summer.
  
• Students from low-income backgrounds tend to experience academic setbacks during the summer break, while children from more affluent backgrounds generally maintain or improve their learning.
  
• ALL children, even kindergarteners and first-graders can benefit from continued small learning boosts.

• When kids lose important skills over the summer, it can make it harder for them to keep up later on, especially as the work gets tougher in the next grades. 

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Strategies for Each Grade Level

Grades K–1

• Read together daily: Just 10–15 minutes of read-aloud supports phonemic awareness and vocabulary.
  
• Play with language: Sing nursery rhymes, play sound games (“What rhymes with cat?”), or identify beginning sounds (“What sound do you hear at the beginning of ‘sun’”?).
  
• Visit your local library: Join summer story times or grab take-home book packs. Libraries often give kids great access and a reading routine at no cost.
  

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Grades 2–3

• Let them pick their own books: Choice motivates readers, especially when tied to interests like animals, sports, or mysteries.
  
• Reading conversations: Ask simple discussion questions like, “Who’s your favorite character? Why?” or “What do you think will happen next?”.
  
• Start a summer reading challenge: Set a goal (e.g., read 15 minutes a day) and celebrate progress!
  • (My free starter summer reading packet is great for creating a challenge. It includes reading logs, a blank graph to track progress, and a reading certificate for accomplishing reading goals.)

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Grades 4–5

• Book clubs or buddy reading: Have siblings, friends, or cousins read the same book and talk about it in person or over video chat.
  
• Creative writing projects: Encourage kids to write letters, a journal entry, or responses to what they read. Sharing encourages enthusiasm.
  
• Learn while exploring: Combine reading with field trips (real or virtual). Read about animals, then visit a zoo or watch a nature documentary and discuss it.

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What the Research Suggests Works

• Consistent reading with discussion prevents learning losses and can even support growth.
  
• Parent involvement is key: shared reading, discussing stories, and engaging in literacy activities all show significant benefits.
  
• Summer reading programs are effective: Community initiatives, such as library challenges or school-linked programs, help sustain or accelerate learning.

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Tips for Success (Keep It Simple)

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In Closing

Summer doesn’t have to mean nonstop screen time, but it doesn’t have to feel like school either. Just a little fun reading each day can help your child keep growing and loving to learn. Pick out a book together this week and let the reading adventures begin!

If you need a little support getting started, don’t forget to grab my Free Starter Reading Packet or my Complete Summer Reading Packet for book lists, fun activities, and easy tools to keep your child engaged all summer long!

Use promo code LFJSUMMER2025 for 15% off the Complete Summer Reading Packet now through July 4th!

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Sources

• Augustine, C. H., McCombs, J. S., Schwartz, H. L., & Zakaras, L. (2013). Learning from summer: Effects of voluntary summer learning programs on low-income urban youth (Research Brief). RAND Corporation. https://www.wallacefoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/Learning-from-Summer-Effects-of-Voluntary-Summer-Learning-Programs.pdf

• Austrew, A. (2022). How to prevent your kids from losing what they learned in school during summer vacation. Scholastic. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/summer-slide.html 

• Wolpert-Gawron, H. (2014). Parents: Preventing summer slide (on a budget). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/parents-preventing-summer-slide-on-budget-heather-wolpert-gawron