3 Easy Ways to Prevent Summer Slide

When school lets out for summer, it’s natural for children to turn their attention to rest, play, and sunshine - as they should! But, with a change in schedule comes a challenge for some young learners—summer slide. This term refers to the learning loss that can happen when students are away from the classroom for an extended period of time. The good news is that just a little intentional effort can go a long way in helping kids maintain (or even boost!) their literacy skills.

Here are three easy, and hopefully fun, ways to beat summer slide in reading.

1. Make Reading Routine—and Fun!

Building a summer reading routine doesn’t mean sticking to a rigid schedule. Instead, look for ways to make reading part of daily life in a relaxed, enjoyable way.

• Create a cozy reading space at home or even outside under a shady tree. 

  • Teacher Tip: In my classroom I always piled pillows in a quiet corner, added soft lighting and plenty of blankets to  make the space inviting.

• Let kids choose their books—when children have ownership over what they read, they’re more likely to stay engaged. 

  • Teacher Tip: If your kiddo isn't sure what to choose , check in with your town’s librarian, local book store, or ask your child’s teacher for recommendations before school lets out.

• Join your local library program—many of which offer themed reading challenges, prizes, and group activities!

  
  

The goal is to associate reading with pleasure, not pressure!

2. Integrate Reading into Everyday Activities

Not all reading has to come from books. Reading is everywhere if you know where to look.

• In the kitchen: Have kids read recipes and help follow the steps while cooking or baking.

• At the store: Let them read grocery lists, signs, and product labels.

• On the go: Encourage reading street signs, maps, or guidebooks during trips and outings.

• Through technology: Educational apps and audiobooks can support fluency and comprehension, especially for reluctant readers.

  • Teacher Tip: School districts often have free subscriptions to many reading apps that can continue to be used throughout the summer.

    
    

This real-world reading helps children see the value of literacy in their daily lives and keeps their skills sharp.

3. Read Stories Together

Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to keep kids engaged with reading over the summer. Studies show that adults who read to and with their children from a young age have the ability to positively influence a child’s vocabulary acquisition and language comprehension1. Whether you're reading to your child, they're reading to you, or you're taking turns, the experience builds fluency, comprehension, and a love for language.

• Choose a book to read together each week—chapter books, short stories, graphic novels, or picture books all work.

• Pause occasionally to talk about what’s happening in the story, make predictions, or connect the plot to your child’s life.

• For independent readers, read the same book separately and then discuss it—like a mini family book club.

• Explore stories through multiple formats: traditional print, audiobooks, or e-books with interactive features.

  • Teacher Tip: Library apps like “Libby” offer easy and free ways to download audio books on the go for easy listening in the car.

    
    
    
    

Reading stories together promotes bonding, improves understanding, and shows children that reading is a meaningful, shared experience—not just a school task.

Summer doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. With just a few intentional practices, parents and caregivers can help children continue to grow as readers all season long. The key is to make reading feel like a natural, enjoyable part of summer—not a chore.

By making reading fun, using everyday experiences, and sharing stories aloud, you’re not only preventing summer slide—you’re planting a lifelong love of reading.

1. “Read It Again! Benefits of Reading to Young Children.” HeadStart.Gov, 25 Feb. 2025, headstart.gov/publication/read-it-again-benefits-reading-young-children.