Supporting Summer Reading at Home

Submitted By: Sophia Brumby, Preschool – 2nd Grade Literacy Specialist

Summer can be a time for children to try new adventures and explore new interests. It’s also a time when reading habits shift with the change in routine. Keeping reading a part of everyday life over the summer can help build on literacy skills developed during the school year, setting your child up for a strong start in the fall.

One place to start is by inviting your child to help make a summer reading plan that fits their interests and summer schedule. Together, you might choose books to read, set goals, or create a reading challenge or book list. Encourage your child to create or choose a cozy space just for reading and have them select books to keep nearby.

Audiobooks and digital books can be fantastic resources, especially when traveling. Research shows that these formats support comprehension and vocabulary development, particularly when children actively listen while following along with the text. Discussing the story afterwards by asking what they liked, what surprised them, or what they think will happen next, helps with engagement and comprehension. Two great free resources to explore include: Libby (used by many public libraries to borrow e-books) and Storyline Online (actors reading popular picture books aloud).

Reading together, reading independently, listening to a story, or reading aloud to a sibling or favorite stuffed animal all help build literacy skills. In addition to storybooks, graphic novels, joke books, cookbooks, and fact books are all options to get your child motivated and engaged in reading. Stop by your local library for some new ideas or build a small home
book basket with longtime favorites alongside new finds.

Whether your child is already a book lover or growing into one, building a simple, personalized routine can help keep reading fun and meaningful all summer long.