Summer break is a time for fun, rest, and relaxation, but it’s also a chance to keep building upon reading skills. For students with learning and developmental differences, regular reading practice over the summer months can make all the difference in maintaining progress and preventing the “summer slide.” The good news? Keeping up with reading doesn’t have to feel like homework. With a little creativity and a focus on consistency, it can be a meaningful and enjoyable part of your summer routine.

Why Summer Reading Matters
Students with language processing challenges often benefit from repetition and continued exposure to reading strategies. Taking a full break from these skills can sometimes make it harder to transition back to school in the fall. Regular reading, even just 15 minutes a day, can help students retain vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and continue growing their confidence as readers.
At Focus Schools, we work year-round to support literacy development in ways that meet each child’s needs. Continuing these efforts over the summer helps students stay on track and ready to re-engage with learning when school resumes in the fall.

Make Reading Part of Your Routine
Consistency is key. Set aside a regular time each day for reading. This could be during a quiet morning moment, after lunch, or part of a calming bedtime routine. The goal is to keep the brain engaged with language and stories in a way that feels enjoyable, not like a chore.

Choose the Right Materials
Books don’t have to be long or complicated to be effective. The best reading materials are those your child enjoys. Graphic novels, short chapter books, picture books, and even magazines can all be excellent options. For emerging or reluctant readers, try books with repetitive text, predictable patterns, or strong visual supports.

Read Together
Reading aloud with your child builds fluency, models expression, and gives you a chance to talk about the story together. Pause to ask questions, point out words or pictures, and make connections to your child’s life. These conversations help boost comprehension and show your child that reading is not just a school skill—it’s a way to explore and connect with the world.

Use Everyday Opportunities
Reading doesn’t have to come from a book. You can encourage literacy through everyday tasks: reading signs while driving, following a recipe, reading instructions for a game, or checking a weather forecast. These real-world applications show that reading is useful and meaningful in daily life.

Celebrate Progress
Make reading feel like a win. Set small goals, track books or minutes read, and celebrate achievements with praise or a fun reward. Building a positive association with reading is important to keep your students’ motivation high.