As another school year winds down, many of us feel a familiar mix of relief and anxiety. Relief to slow down and enjoy time with our kids, but anxiety—especially if your child struggles with reading or writing—about what the long summer break might mean for their learning.
If you’re feeling this way, you are not alone. Many families worry that without the routine of school, their child might fall even further behind. This phenomenon is often called the “summer slide,” and for struggling readers, it can feel especially daunting.
But here’s the good news: literacy doesn’t have to stop just because school does. In fact, summer can be a time of renewed confidence, fun exploration, and gently building skills—all without the stress of formal lessons or the pressure of grades.
Let’s look at a few realistic, encouraging ways you can help your child stay connected to literacy this summer.
1. Keep It Light and Joyful
Reading shouldn’t feel like punishment—or homework. If your child associates books with frustration, summer is the perfect time to change that.
Let them choose books based on their interests, not their reading level. Don’t worry if it seems “too easy” or “too silly.” Graphic novels, joke books, and even picture books have value. The goal is confidence and enjoyment. Let them read to you, with you, or just flip through the pages at their own pace.
If reading aloud is hard, you can take turns—or you do all the reading while they follow along. That’s still literacy learning.
2. Use the World Around You
The best literacy lessons don’t always come from a book.
- Ask your child to help read recipes while baking.
- Have them write a grocery list or help sound out store signs.
- Let them write postcards to friends or family (drawing + a few words counts!)
- Encourage labeling things around the house in fun ways (e.g., “fridge = food cave”)
These real-world moments help children understand that reading and writing aren’t just school activities—they’re part of life.
3. Make the Most of Audiobooks and Podcasts
Not all reading has to be visual. Audiobooks and kids’ podcasts are powerful tools for building vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for storytelling—especially for kids who struggle with decoding.
Many public libraries offer free access to audiobooks. You can even play one during a car ride, at bedtime, or while doing puzzles or coloring. Try letting your child follow along in the print version as they listen—this reinforces word recognition in a low-pressure way.
Some podcast suggestions:
- Brains On! (science)
- Story Pirates (funny stories by kids)
- Circle Round (folktales with morals)
4. Start a Low-Stress Summer Journal
Journals don’t have to be paragraphs of writing. In fact, they don’t even need to be words at first.
Invite your child to keep a Summer Journal where they can:
- Draw something they did or learned
- Label pictures with simple words
- Write a sentence or two (or dictate to you!)
- Collect new words they hear or read
The key is consistency, not perfection. Make it a relaxing part of your day—like a bedtime ritual or something to do after breakfast.
5. Celebrate Effort, Not Accuracy
One of the hardest things for struggling readers is feeling like they’re “behind.” Over the summer, we have a beautiful chance to shift that mindset.
Instead of correcting every mistake, focus on:
- Noticing when they try
- Praising small wins (“You stuck with that hard word—awesome!”)
- Letting them know mistakes are part of learning
Confidence is the foundation of literacy. If your child enters September feeling more confident, that’s already a huge win.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Dear parent—if you’ve read this far, it’s because you care deeply about your child’s growth. That’s already powerful.
Summer doesn’t need to look like school. It doesn’t need to be rigid, structured, or filled with worksheets. What it can be is an invitation—to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the joy in learning together.
Whether it’s laughing at a silly book, sounding out street signs, or writing a made-up story with your child at the park, every little bit counts.
Here’s to a summer of literacy, connection, and confidence—for both of you.
With warmth and encouragement,
Samira
M.Ed., Literacy Specialist & Orton-Gillingham Trained Educator