Summer is just around the corner—a time for rest, play, and new adventures. But did you know that extended time away from school can lead to a decline in reading skills, especially for young learners? Early literacy is the foundation of a child’s academic success and lifelong learning. By incorporating fun and meaningful reading activities into your summer routine, you can help your child maintain fluency, build comprehension, and continue developing important language skills—even when school’s out.
This blog offers practical tips and free resources to support young readers at home, on vacation, or wherever summer takes you.
Listen to our cool AI-generated Podcast: Summer Reading
Why Early Literacy Still Matters—Especially in Summer
Language Development: Reading introduces children to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques.
Cognitive Growth: Books help strengthen memory, problem-solving, and thinking skills.
Emotional Understanding: Stories offer ways to recognize and talk about feelings.
Social Awareness: Characters and scenarios help children build empathy and understand different perspectives.
Creating a literacy-rich environment doesn’t require expensive materials—it just takes a little time, creativity, and consistency.
Simple Summer Literacy Tips for Home or On-the-Go
Read Aloud Daily: Make read-alouds part of your routine—during breakfast, bedtime, or in the car. Choose books with rich language and engaging illustrations.
Start a Summer Reading Challenge: Use a reading log or bingo sheet to track books and celebrate milestones. Most local libraries offer summer reading programs with prizes!
Make Reading Interactive: Let kids choose books that interest them. Ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” to promote comprehension.
Play Word Games: Try rhyming games, alphabet scavenger hunts, or storytelling cards to keep literacy fun.
Take Books Everywhere: Pack books in your beach bag, car, or backpack so reading can happen anywhere.
Integrate Literacy into Everyday Life: Grocery lists, recipes, maps, and signs all offer real-world reading opportunities.
Free Summer Literacy Resources for Families
Explore these trusted, no-cost resources to keep your child engaged in reading over the summer months:
PBS Kids – Offers interactive reading games and videos featuring characters like Daniel Tiger and Arthur, with activities to support phonics, comprehension, and storytelling.
Starfall – A favorite for early learners, Starfall provides engaging phonics games and activities for letters, sounds, and beginner reading.
Storyline Online – Watch beloved children’s books read aloud by actors like Viola Davis and Chris Pine. Perfect for screen time with a purpose!
Scholastic Home Base – Scholastic’s summer site includes free online books, reading challenges, and interactive literacy activities.
Read Aloud Revival – Features booklists, storytime ideas, and a podcast full of tips for building family reading habits.
Your Local Library – Most public libraries offer summer reading programs, free eBooks, and access to apps like Hoopla to borrow books digitally. Don’t forget to sign up for your library’s summer reading program!
Build a Summer Literacy Environment—No Matter Where You Are
Set Up a Cozy Reading Spot: A comfy corner or a shady blanket outdoors makes reading more inviting.
Label Everyday Objects: Use sticky notes to label items like “mirror,” “sink,” or “fridge” to build word recognition.
Sing, Rhyme, and Chant: Phonological skills grow when children engage with language through rhymes, songs, and playful repetition.
Display the Alphabet: Use posters, magnets, or chalkboards to keep letters and sounds visible and familiar.
Reading Should Be Joyful
Summer reading doesn’t need to be formal or forced—it should be fun! The goal is to nurture curiosity and confidence. Whether your child is flipping through picture books, listening to audiobooks, or sharing a story at bedtime, every little effort counts.
So as you enjoy the sunshine and slower pace of summer, don’t forget to pack a book, make space for stories, and celebrate the magic of reading together.