How to Prevent Summer Reading Loss and Beat the Summer Slide
As I mentioned in my last post, summer is a much-needed time for rest, fun, and freedom. But for many children, especially those with learning differences, some of their hard-earned skills can begin to slip during this break. This is often referred to as the “summer slide,” and it can be particularly noticeable with reading. The good news is with a few simple and low-pressure strategies, you can help prevent summer reading loss and even strengthen your child’s literacy skills. All without making summer feel like school. Keep reading for practical, effective ways to support your child’s reading all season long.
Looking for more individualized support to prevent summer reading loss? I would love to help! Schedule a 1:1 zoom call with me to see how your child is doing in reading and writing. Are they on grade level? What are their strengths? I can assess this, and help create an action plan for your child.
Why Summer Reading Loss Hits Some Learners Harder
Children with learning difficulties often need more repetition and structured support to build and retain literacy skills. When school routines and supports disappear over summer break, it’s not uncommon to see a decline in reading fluency, comprehension, and motivation. I definitely saw this with some of my own children when they were younger.
However, this slide isn’t inevitable. With just a little consistency and a thoughtful approach, summer can become a powerful opportunity to reinforce literacy in a low-pressure, engaging way. If you’re unsure where to begin or want guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs, I offer personalized 1:1 academic screenings and reading support via Zoom. Click here to book your session today! These sessions are a great way to assess current skills, identify areas for growth, and create a summer reading plan to effectively prevent summer reading loss.
Tips to Prevent Summer Reading Loss
Looking for ways to prevent summer reading loss? Here are some of my favorite tips to help keep your kids excited about reading this summer.
1. Make Reading Routine Yet Flexible
One of the best ways to prevent summer reading loss is through consistency. Aim for 10–20 minutes of reading a day, but keep it relaxed. This could be a cozy bedtime story, an audiobook during a car ride, or comic books at the beach. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
2. Prioritize Enjoyment Over Level
Let your child read what they love even if it is a graphic novel, or a joke book. For neurodivergent readers especially, interest-driven reading helps reduce anxiety and increase motivation, which naturally helps to prevent summer reading loss.
3. Use Audiobooks as a Support Tool
Audiobooks aren’t “cheating”! They can be a fantastic way to support comprehension and vocabulary development, especially for children with dyslexia or attention challenges. Pairing audiobooks with print books can also help reinforce word recognition.
4. Create Low-Stress Writing Opportunities
Encourage simple, authentic writing: postcards to family, journaling about summer adventures, comic strips, or writing a list of favorite movies. Pencil-and-paper activities also support fine motor development, which is often an added bonus for some neurodivergent learners.
5. Try a Summer Reading Challenge
Find one at your local library or make your own. Make it visual and fun! Use a bingo card or checklist with creative prompts like:
Read under a blanket fort
Listen to a story while coloring
Read a book with an animal on the cover
Read to a pet or stuffed animal
Let your child check off boxes at their own pace and celebrate progress with small rewards or praise. Tracking progress builds confidence and keeps kids engaged all while helping to prevent summer reading loss.
6. Leverage Visual Supports and Tools
For some learners, using tools like colored overlays, reading trackers, or apps that read text aloud can make a big difference. Break reading into manageable chunks and give plenty of breaks when needed.
7. Stay Connected with Personalized Support
If you’re unsure what kind of support your child needs, summer is a great time to evaluate this. Without the pressure of daily assignments, you can get a clearer picture of their strengths and challenges. An academic screening can really help to identify learning needs. During these calls we also create a customized plan that includes gentle, realistic summer reading support. Click here to book a session!
Summer Camps for Every Kind of Learner
Finally, If you’re looking for something a bit more structured to support your child’s learning this summer, I wanted to quickly mention that I am offering a variety of summer camps!
Here’s a brief description of what’s on the schedule:
Orton Gillingham Literacy Camp – Build strong foundational reading skills using a proven, multisensory approach.
Summer Reading Comprehension Book Club – Foster a love of reading through fun, guided discussions and comprehension strategies.
Lasting Friendships Camp – Focus on social-emotional learning, friendship skills, and confidence-building.
Back to School Bootcamp – Get ready for the new school year with routines, organization tips, and academic refreshers.
These camps are thoughtfully designed to support learning, while also helping to prevent summer reading loss in a fun and low-pressure way. There is a camp for all ages and abilities. Click here to learn more about these offerings!
Preventing the Summer Slump Without the Pressure
Reading over the summer doesn’t need to be intense or overwhelming. In fact, keeping things light, playful, and personalized is often the most effective way to prevent summer reading loss. This is especially true for neurodivergent learners who likely find reading challenging. By encouraging a love of reading, and keeping your expectations reasonable, you can help your child avoid the dreaded summer slump and return to school feeling confident.
Looking for more support or structure this summer? Try booking an academic screening to help assess where your child is at. During this 1:1 call we create a custom plan tailored to your child's needs. If you're interested in a more social or structured experience, don’t forget to check out my summer learning camps! They’re fun, inclusive, and specifically designed to support literacy and confidence in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
Let’s make this summer one of fun, growth, and confidence!
