Engagement Strategies for Reading: How to Keep Neurodivergent Learners Engaged All Year Long

Summer is in full swing, and I hope you’re enjoying all the fun summery things. Summer brings a sense of freedom. No rigid schedules, spur of the moment outdoor adventures, and more. Consequently, it is important to consider that for many neurodivergent learners, summer may pose some challenges. The loss of routine, familiar faces, and the daily support they rely on can create a sense of instability. Neurodivergent learners thrive on consistent reinforcement and structure to retain and build upon their skills. Luckily, there are ways to implement engagement strategies for reading so learners won’t experience the summer slide.

The good news? Keeping all learners engaged in reading throughout the summer doesn’t require a strict curriculum or hours of structured learning. It simply involves being intentional and consistent. Thankfully, these engagement strategies for reading will keep them growing all summer long!

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 Encourage Daily Reading

A great way to keep neurodivergent learners engaged throughout the summer is daily reading. Daily reading is one of the most effective engagement strategies for reading. Aim for 15–30 minutes of reading each day. The best method is to keep the focus of daily reading time on having fun. Kids love to explore books, graphic novels, or audiobooks that genuinely interest them. Try not to worry about if what they are reading is “on level.” The goal here is to cultivate a love for reading, and that starts with giving kids the autonomy to choose materials they’re excited about.

 Since most neurodivergent learners thrive on routine (most kids do!), it might be a good idea to create and stick to a consistent time of day to incorporate your daily reading. After lunch, before bedtime, or whatever works for you! You will likely be met with much less resistance if your child knows what to expect.  

 Local libraries can also be a huge help with encouraging daily reading throughout the summer. Not only do most libraries offer free summer reading programs. They also usually have events, and expert staff who can help guide your child to the right books. Including a consistent library visit into your weekly routine is also a great strategy to keep learners engaged in reading. 

 Model a Love of Reading

Like anything, children are also more likely to read when they see the adults around them doing the same. Modeling reading habits for your children whether it’s a novel, magazine, or even a recipe is another great engagement strategy for reading. Seeing you reading will spark their curiosity and reinforce that reading is lifelong, not just a school activity.

Making reading a shared experience can also be powerful. Try reading a novel as a family. You could read a book that might otherwise be too challenging or daunting. Take turns reading chapters or simply reading the same book independently and talk about it. Not only does this offer connection but also builds comprehension and vocabulary skills. 

 If you’re looking for a little something extra, don’t forget to sign up for my freebie. It includes two reading passages differentiated for the 4th grade and up, with accompanying reading comprehension worksheets. These are great for all learners.  

Weave Reading into Everyday Life

Encouraging your child to read naturally as part of their everyday life is another effective engagement strategy for reading. Reading doesn’t have to be confined to books. You can find opportunities to read everywhere! Instructions for a craft, maps on a family trip, menus at a restaurant, or street signs while driving.

 Boost Reading Skills Through Writing

One of the most overlooked yet powerful engagement strategies for reading is actually to encourage regular writing alongside it. And summer is the perfect time to keep writing fun, light, and meaningful. Invite your kids’ to journal about summer adventures, or a trip you took. Get them to write letters to relatives, or craft a story. These low-pressure activities help strengthen core literacy skills. For neurodivergent learners in particular, offering choice and creativity in writing can boost confidence and keep them engaged.

 Explore Different Formats

 Another effective engagement strategies for reading is to offer a variety of formats that meet kids where they are. Not every child connects with traditional chapter books, and that’s perfectly okay. Audiobooks are a fantastic option especially for the auditory learners. Graphic novels or manga offer visual storytelling that still builds critical reading skills. Popular series like Dogman, Amulet, The Babysitters Club, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid are great entry points and widely loved by kids. Of course there are numerous others as well. Being open to different types of books could make a huge difference in keeping your neurodivergent learners engaged in reading.

 Try a Summer Reading Challenge

If your child enjoys a goal or a little friendly competition, try a summer reading challenge. There are so many fun options. Many online platforms and organizations like Scholastic, Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! program, and Mensa for Kids offer summer reading challenges and resources. Some universities and school districts also provide structured summer reading skill programs if your child needs more targeted support. You could also create your own challenge or rewards chart. A reading challenge offers just enough structure to keep kids motivated without making reading feel like work.

 And again, don’t forget to check your local library! Many libraries run wonderful, free summer programs that include prizes and special events. My own kids used to love their weekly sticker charts and book hauls from the library. For many this is a simple tradition yet also a very effective reading engagement strategy that can make reading that much more exciting.

 Want more support?

Looking for more support engaging your neurodivergent learners this summer? Remember that I do offer 1:1 zoom sessions if you are looking for something personalized. Click here to book!

In addition don’t forget to snag my free reading comprehension activities, complete with reading passages and comprehension questions.

 Keeping Reading Fun and Meaningful this Summer

Preventing summer reading loss in neurodivergent learners doesn’t mean replicating school at home. It’s about creating a supportive environment where reading feels safe, fun, and meaningful. When kids are allowed to follow their interests, explore different formats, and engage at their own pace, they’re far more likely to retain and grow their skills.

 It is the small, consistent effort you put in: like reading aloud with your children or checking out a stack of comic books from the library that can make a big difference. Let summer be a time of joy and freedom, but also one of quiet growth.
What engagement strategies for reading have you used to keep your children reading over the summer? I would love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments or send me an email.