Blogs As the school year comes to a close, teachers might be wondering how they can help students hold onto all the reading progress they’ve worked so hard to build. We’ve all seen the effects of “summer slide” on literacy, especially for students who don’t have easy access to books or opportunities for practice outside of school.
The good news is, with intentional planning and a few strategic supports, you can help students maintain their skills and even keep growing as readers over the summer.
What is Summer Slide in Literacy?
“Summer slide” refers to the learning loss that can happen when students are out of school for an extended period of time. In literacy, this often shows up in the following ways.
- Decreased reading fluency
- Reduced comprehension skills
- Loss of vocabulary
- Lower motivation to read
Unlike math, which often requires structured practice, literacy is deeply tied to habits and exposure. Research suggests that students who don’t read over the summer can lose several months of progress, while those who do read regularly can maintain or even improve their skills. Without access to books, encouragement, or engaging materials, students may simply stop reading.
Strategies Teachers Can Use Before Summer Begins
Book Tasting
Before students leave, help them associate reading with enjoyment, not just assignments. One simple yet powerful way to spark students’ interest in summer reading is to host a “book tasting.” Much like sampling different foods, a book tasting invites students to explore a variety of texts in a low-pressure, highly engaging way. In the final weeks of school, teachers can set up stations with different genres and give students time to “sample” each one. As they rotate, students skim the first few pages, jot quick reactions, and begin to notice what captures their attention. By the end of the tasting, students can create a personalized list of books they’re excited to read for the summer. Students can also use our book tasting passport to help them remember which books they liked from the tasting.
Create a Simple, Flexible Reading Plan
Another way to support summer reading is by creating a simple, flexible plan, like our summer reading log, to keep students engaged without feeling overwhelmed. A choice-based reading bingo card works especially well for this. Instead of assigning daily logs, teachers can offer a grid of fun, low-pressure challenges, like reading outside, reading to a family member, trying a new genre, or listening to an audiobook. Students choose which activities to complete, giving them a sense of ownership and variety in how they read. This approach encourages consistent practice while keeping reading playful and accessible, making it more likely that students will stick with it over the summer.
Support Different Types of Readers
For some students, summer slide can hit a little harder. Students without access to books at home may lose regular reading practice, while multilingual learners can miss out on the consistent language exposure they need to keep growing. And for struggling or reluctant readers who rely on ongoing support, it’s easy for them to disengage over the break, making the return to school even tougher. The good news is, there are simple, targeted ways we can support these students and help keep their reading progress on track.
- Ensure access to books: Send students home with high-interest, appropriately leveled books, or connect families with local libraries and free book programs. You can also guide families to resources like the National Education Association’s list of options for accessing free or low-cost books, helping to ensure students have consistent reading materials throughout the summer.
- Promote reading in any language: Encourage multilingual learners to read and discuss texts in their home language to maintain literacy skills and comprehension. Check to see if your local library offers bilingual books (both for children and adults), as well as bilingual story hours or other reading programs. Teachers can also access a variety of multilingual books using Epic School’s free plan.
- Engage families with clear guidance: Sharing easy-to-use tips and conversation starters can help caregivers support reading at home. Admission Squad offers a list of conversation starters aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy to help parents talk to their children about what they’re reading.
Small Efforts Make a Big Difference
Ultimately, preventing summer slide in literacy is about keeping students connected to reading in ways that feel accessible, engaging, and meaningful. When we prioritize choice, make sure students have access to books, and share simple strategies with families, we extend learning beyond the classroom. And when students build positive reading habits and a sense of ownership, they’re much more likely to come back in the fall not just prepared, but still seeing themselves as confident, capable readers.
About the Author
Samantha Lundberg is the Associate Director of Content Development at PDI. She holds a B.S. in School Health Education, as well as a M.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Samantha draws on her extensive knowledge to develop and refine engaging, research-based courses. Her work centers on helping educators create inclusive, supportive learning environments where social-emotional growth is prioritized and both students and teachers feel seen, supported, and mentally well.
Fun fact: Samantha has been to all of the U.S. Disney parks, as well as 3 of the international parks! She hopes to visit all of the parks someday.
