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When the school year ends, students get a well-deserved break from structured learning. But without regular reading practice, many children—especially those with language-based learning disabilities—can experience what's known as the “summer slide.” This refers to the loss of academic progress, particularly in reading, that can happen over the summer months.

Fortunately, a simple habit can make a big difference: summer reading.

Why Summer Reading Matters

Over the school year, students build foundational reading skills—decoding, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. But without daily reinforcement, those gains can fade. Summer reading helps preserve and even grow these skills.

According to multiple studies, reading just 20–30 minutes a day exposes students to hundreds of thousands to millions of words per year. That word exposure directly impacts vocabulary development, background knowledge, and reading confidence.

For students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities (LBLD), who often have fewer interactions with text, consistent summer reading is especially important.

Let Interest Lead the Way

While many schools assign required summer reading, that’s just the starting point. Kids should also be encouraged to read things they enjoy—the more engaging the material, the more likely they are to read regularly.

Here are some great options to consider:

• Graphic novels or comics

• Audiobooks paired with print books

• Sports articles or blogs

• Game manuals or instruction guides

• Cookbooks and DIY project books

• Magazines or biographies

The goal isn’t just to check a box—it’s to nurture curiosity and help students see reading as something enjoyable.

Support for Struggling or Reluctant Readers

For students who haven't enjoy reading in the past, here are some low-stress ways to offer support:

• Read aloud together or take turns.

• Use audiobooks to build fluency and comprehension.

• Ask open-ended questions about characters, plot, or new vocabulary.

• Celebrate small wins—finishing a chapter, discovering a new word, or trying a new genre.

Encouragement goes a long way. Even reluctant readers can thrive with the right mix of choice, consistency, and support.

Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle

Not every reading session has to be long or formal. Even 10–15 minutes a day adds up. The key is to build a routine that fits into your family’s summer rhythm.

• Read in the car, at the beach, or before bed.

• Keep books visible and easy to grab.

• Model reading yourself—kids notice!

And remember: what your child reads matters less than the fact that they are reading.

Summer reading isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By encouraging consistent, enjoyable reading, you’ll help your child enter the new school year feeling confident and prepared. Whether they’re diving into novels or decoding a recipe, it all counts.

Let’s make reading a part of summer fun—not a chore.