8 Tips for Summer Reading

Summer is full of fun adventures like going to the park, swimming at the pool, and hanging out with friends. With days full of activities, it’s easy for students to let their reading habits slip through the cracks. While it’s great to take a mental break, it’s equally as important to ensure our educational pause doesn’t turn into a regression.

Here are some tips to share with your students and their families to keep them engaged with reading over the summer:

1. Lead by example.

The best way to encourage kids to read is to show them you’re reading, too. You may find that by doing this, your kids will start asking you what you’re reading, if you can read to them, and if you can pick out another family book. To set you up for success and build this into your own summer habits, make sure you have lots of reading materials in various parts of your home. 

2. Make it into an adventure.

When weather permits, consider going on a treasure hunt to look for hidden words around your neighborhood. All you need is a good pirate map and a little imagination. On rainy days, pick a word and see how many times you can find that word in a book you’re reading together. 

3. Let your child choose their books.

If you read something your child chooses, they’ll be much more invested in the story. Because kids have so many things chosen for them in their day-to-day lives, this gives them the power to feel they’re in control. Whether the story takes them on a great adventure to outer space, on a daring exploration with dinosaurs, or swimming underwater with the magical sea life, it’s their adventure and their choice. 

4. Read with your child.

By reading as a family, you can choose stories above your kids’ reading levels. This enables you to introduce new vocabulary to your kids and grow their reading comprehension. You’ll find this provides a great opportunity for kids to ask questions about the story and start some fun family discussions. 

5. Read the same book as your child.

If your kids are of reading age, read the same book as them. After each chapter, or at the end of the book, if it’s a short read, come together to chat about different characters and topics. This is a great bonding experience and again provides an opportunity for some lively family discussions. 

6. Read everywhere and everything.

Remember, reading doesn’t just have to take place in your home with a book. The great thing about reading is you can take your book anywhere! Or, if you don’t have a book with you, read what you see. Maybe it’s a menu at a restaurant or a billboard – words are everywhere. 

7. Make a cozy reading corner.

Sometimes, if there are any types of distractions, kids will be less engaged with their reading. Consider setting up a cozy reading nook away from screens and high-traffic areas where they can kick back, relax, and dive into their books. This is especially great for rainy days.

8. Make it fun! 

It’s simple – if reading is fun, kids will want to read. Our number one rule is: don’t use reading as a punishment or a chore. You want your kids to look forward to when they’re able to crack open their book or fire up their audiobook. Making reading fun is one of the number one ways to instill a love of reading with your kids.

Educators: At Follett Content, we understand the importance of summer reading and are committed to providing you with the high-quality books and resources you need to keep students engaged over the long break. We’re your partner in minimizing the “summer slide” and fostering a lifelong love of learning!

Shop Books for Summer Reading

• High-Interest Book List
• Grab & Go Literacy Kits
• Summer Workbooks for Literacy and Math
• Digital Content

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Happy summer reading!