Battling the Summer Reading Slide: Strategies to Keep Kids Engaged

 

Summer is just around the corner!  In a few short weeks, children will be trading school uniforms for sandals and enjoying the freedom of long, sunny days.  After a busy academic year, they’ve certainly earned a break—and so have parents.  But amid the holidays, ice creams, and outdoor adventures, there’s one challenge that deserves our attention: the Summer reading slump.

The Summer reading slump refers to the decline in children's reading ability and motivation over the extended school break.  According to research from Scholastic, students can lose up to 20% of their reading progress during the holidays.  Over time, this loss adds up, leading to a widening learning gap—especially amongst disadvantaged students.

For instance, by the first half of the 2021/2022 Autumn term, primary pupils in England were on average 0.8 months behind in reading. But for disadvantaged pupils, that delay was 1.4 months—compared to just 0.5 months for their peers.  That’s a gap of nearly a full month, which had widened since the previous Summer, highlighting how holidays can disproportionately impact those already at a disadvantage.

We all know it’s not easy keeping kids entertained for six weeks.  Screens, sunshine, and Summer outings are all part of a healthy, balanced break.  But reading should be, too.  Just 15 to 20 minutes a day can help children retain—and even build—their reading skills over the Summer.

Here are 10 simple ways to keep reading alive this Summer:

 

 

 

1. Join the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge

Many Libraries across the UK run free programmes that reward children for reading a set number of books.  The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to make reading fun and goal-oriented, with stickers, certificates, and themed activities.

2. Sign Up for the National Read-Aloud Challenge

This free programme, powered by Fonetti’s award-winning read-aloud app, uses patented speech recognition technology to support reading development.  Schools can sign up at no cost—and participating pupils have a chance to win a fully funded day trip to London for the National Awards Ceremony hosted at Amazon HQ by Clare Balding CBE.

3. Let Kids Choose Their Books

Allowing children to pick what they read—comics, fact books, graphic novels, or audiobooks—fosters ownership and enjoyment.  When reading aligns with their interests, it becomes a joy rather than a task.

4. Keep a Routine

Set a regular reading time each day—before bed, after breakfast, or during quiet time.  Even a consistent 15-minute slot can make a huge impact.

5. Turn on Subtitles

Watching TV?  Enable subtitles so kids read along with the dialogue.  It’s an effortless way to boost word recognition.

6. Make It Social

Read together as a family, take turns reading aloud, or listen to audiobooks during car journeys.  Shared reading creates special moments and encourages discussion.

7. Be a Reading Role Model

When children see adults reading for pleasure, they’re more likely to follow suit.  Let them see you with a book, newspaper, or even a recipe.

8. Use Everyday Opportunities

Encourage children to read anything—recipes, signs, instructions, shopping lists.  Reading is everywhere, and every word helps.

9. Take Books Outdoors

Reading outside offers benefits for children’s physical and mental well-being.  Host a “booknic”—a picnic with books, snacks, and sunshine in the garden or park.

10. Combine Reading with Play

Make reading fun through games like treasure hunts.  Hide books around the house or garden with clues to solve, leading to a prize at the end.

 

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