How to Prevent the Summer Slide in Reading
8 Easy Ways for Parents to Help Keep Their Kids Reading Skills Sharp This Summer.
Have your kids forgotten what they learned in reading over the summer? You're not alone. Each fall, teachers notice the same trend: students return to school having lost some of the reading skills they built during the year. This well-documented regression is known as the Summer Slide—but the good news is, it can be prevented!
What Is the Summer Slide?
The Summer Slide refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the summer months when school is out—especially in reading.
When kids spend more time on video games, social media, or watching TV (and less time reading), the literacy skills they worked hard to build take a back seat. This can show up as:
Struggling to remember letter sounds or blends (for early readers)
Declines in comprehension, fluency, and critical thinking about texts (for more advanced readers)
1. Read 20 Minutes a Day—It Makes a Big Impact
Just 20 minutes of daily reading can expose your child to up to 1.8 million words a year, significantly boosting their vocabulary and comprehension. Research shows that kids who read daily are more likely to score in the 90th percentileon standardized reading tests.
Make reading part of your daily routine. Try:
Reading before bed
Setting a family reading time
Listening to audiobooks on the go
Reading out loud while your child follows along
👉 Tip: Don’t worry too much about what they read—graphic novels, cereal boxes, signs on the road, or chapter books all count!
2. Let Kids Choose Their Own Books
Giving your child a say in what they read helps build confidence and interest. Understanding reading levels can also help:
Independent Level (easy and fluent reading - great for summer)
Instructional Level (some challenges, supports skill-building)
Frustration Level (too hard - may lead to shut down)
Avoid keeping your child at the frustration level over the summer. Encourage independence and fun!
3. Make Reading Part of Everyday Life
Turn everyday moments into reading opportunities:
Involve kids in meal planning - have them read recipes, grocery lists, and food labels.
Let them read the menu and order at restaurants.
Make reading a family challenge: How many words can each family member read in 10 minutes?
Create reading charts, sticker rewards, or arts and crafts inspired by books.
4. Visit the Library Weekly
Your local library is a goldmine for free reading fun! Choose a weekly “Library Day” and check out new books together. Most libraries also offer:
Summer reading programs - check out our list [Summer Reading Program]!
Storytimes and guest readers
Book clubs and themed events
Kids get to explore books, socialize, and associate reading with fun.
5. Be a Reading Role Model
Kids are more likely to read when they see YOU reading. Whether it’s a novel, magazine, or audiobook—show your child that reading is a normal, enjoyable part of daily life.
Bonus: This often leads to your child naturally picking up a book to join you!
Non-fiction books are great for learning lots of new information.
6. Talk About What You’re Reading
Books are like your favorite TV shows - talk about them! Ask your child:
What’s happening in the story?
What’s your favorite character?
What do you think will happen next?
The more conversation around reading, the more kids engage and build comprehension.
7. Read Aloud - Even to Older Kids
Reading aloud helps kids of all ages hear tone, rhythm, and pronunciation. Even if they can’t fully read the words, listening to you read helps them connect spoken and written language.
For toddlers and preschoolers, repetition is key. Reading a favorite book nightly builds memory, vocabulary, and confidence.
8. Set Simple Summer Reading Goals
Make a fun summer challenge:
How many pages or books can your child read?
Can they complete a themed reading list?
Create a reading scavenger hunt or log
Keep goals attainable and celebrate progress!
