4 Ways Families Can Support Struggling Readers This Summer

Educators often refer to this as the “summer slide”—the learning loss many students experience when academic skills are not practiced consistently over the summer months—but there can be an answer.

According to Kerri Larkin, senior education advisor at Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand focused on science of reading-based literacy solutions, small, consistent reading habits can help children maintain confidence and continue building critical literacy skills throughout the summer.

“Consistent practice and encouragement help children build lasting reading skills,” Larkin said.

Today, many districts embrace the “science of reading,” an approach grounded in decades of research about how brains learn to read. Experts say nearly every child can become a successful reader when they receive explicit, evidence-based instruction and ongoing support both at school and at home.

For families, helping a struggling reader does not require special training or expensive tutoring programs. Some of the most effective strategies are simple, practical, and easy to incorporate into everyday summer routines.

Here are four ways families can help support struggling readers this summer and beyond.

1.Build reading into everyday summer activities: One of the best ways to prevent summer reading loss is to make reading a natural part of daily life. Even 15 to 20 minutes of reading each day can help children maintain vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills over the summer.

For younger children, parents can read aloud together, take turns reading pages, and practice sounding out simple words. Older children may be more motivated by reading materials connected to their personal interests, including sports articles, graphic novels, magazines, or nonfiction topics. Families can also encourage children to read during such activities as cooking, traveling, shopping, or playing games.

Most importantly, families should focus on creating positive reading experiences. Children are more likely to continue practicing when reading is enjoyable and low-pressure.

2.Encourage children to sound out words instead of guessing: Many struggling readers need additional practice connecting letters to sounds, a foundational skill that supports accurate and confident reading.

Families can reinforce these skills through simple activities such as rhyming games, practicing letter sounds, clapping syllables, and word-building games. If children encounter unfamiliar words while reading, parents can encourage them to slow down and sound out the word instead of immediately supplying the answer.

“When children are encouraged to work through words instead of guessing, they become more confident and independent readers,” Larkin said.

Reading difficulties are not a reflection of intelligence. Many children simply need more repetition, practice, and targeted support to become confident readers.

3.Stay connected to reading support over the summer: Summer can interrupt the routines and support systems students rely on during the school year. Families can help maintain momentum by staying connected to literacy resources whenever possible.

Many schools, public libraries and parenting magazines offer summer reading programs, reading challenges, and literacy activities designed to keep children engaged. Families can also talk with teachers before summer break to better understand which reading skills their child should continue practicing and which strategies are working best in the classroom.

Some families may also benefit from structured literacy programs or digital tools that provide targeted reading practice during the summer months. Programs grounded in the science of reading, including those developed by Lexia, are designed to help students strengthen foundational reading skills through explicit, evidence-based instruction and personalized practice.

“A little consistency over summer can make a big difference by fall,” Larkin said.

4.Celebrate progress and build reading confidence: For struggling readers, confidence can be just as important as skill development. Children who find reading difficult often become frustrated or discouraged, especially when they compare themselves to classmates or siblings. Over time, this can cause some students to avoid reading altogether. 

Parents can help by celebrating persistence, improvement, and completed books rather than focusing only on performance. Creating a supportive reading environment helps children develop resilience and confidence.

“Every child deserves to feel successful as a reader,” Larkin said. “When families focus on encouragement and progress, children are more willing to keep practicing and growing.”

Looking ahead

As more schools adopt science of reading practices grounded in research, families continue to play a critical role in helping children become successful readers.

By building simple reading routines, practicing foundational skills, and encouraging progress along the way, families can help children maintain reading momentum throughout the summer and return to school more confident in the fall.

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