How to Avoid the Summer Reading Slide at Home with Your Upper Elementary Reader

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation. But for many children, it can also mean a loss of reading skills gained during the school year. This phenomenon, known as the "summer slide," can make it harder for kids to start the new school year strong. Fortunately, with a little planning and creativity, you can help your upper elementary reader stay engaged with books all summer long. Here are some practical tips to make reading enjoyable and consistent at home.

Avoid the summer slide with these reading tips for upper elementary students!

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

Setting aside time for daily reading helps maintain and build literacy skills. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes a day. This can be independent reading, shared reading, or even listening to an audiobook together. Make it a relaxing part of your routine, whether it’s before bed, after lunch, or in the morning.

2. Let Them Choose Their Books

Kids are more likely to read when they get to pick books that interest them. Visit the library together and let them explore different genres, graphic novels, and series books. If they’re excited about the book, they’ll be more motivated to read it!

If you're unsure about the value of graphic novels for your growing reader, you can check out this Scholastic Post about the benefits of graphic novels. Even though the books are filled with pictures, they ALSO contain text. In fact, there are many high-quality texts written in graphic novel format. The books also contain complex characters, plots, and other literary elements. Students also find them highly engaging - which is key when you don't want to have to force them to read all summer long!

All reading is helpful for growing readers! Let them choose any book they'd like and encourage them to keep reading.

3. Create a Summer Reading Challenge

Turn reading into a fun challenge by setting goals and offering small rewards. Some ideas include:

Reading a certain number of books by the end of summer.
Exploring different types of books (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, mystery, etc.).
Completing a "book bingo" with different reading activities (e.g., read outside, read to a pet, read a book with a blue cover).
Opportunities like my Book-a-Week Club can set high expectations and keep kids excited about reading!

4. Pair Reading with Activities

Make reading interactive by pairing it with hands-on activities. For example:

After reading a book about space, visit a planetarium or do a simple science experiment.
Read a mystery novel and then write or act out your own mystery story.
Read a book set in another country and cook a meal inspired by that culture.

Check out my Outschool profile to see the dates and times for my summer
Book-A-Week Club for Summer 2025!

5. Join an Online Book Club

Outschool offers a huge variety of classes like my Book-a-Week Club, that can keep kids excited to finish new titles, interested in their reading, and thinking deeply about the things they read. It also allows students to engage with each other to discuss the book. You can see my online book club schedule here.

6. Use Audiobooks and E-Books

If your child prefers listening over reading, audiobooks are a great way to keep literacy skills strong. Many libraries offer free access to audiobooks and e-books through apps like Libby or Hoopla. Listening to books can improve vocabulary and comprehension just as much as traditional reading.

7. Visit the Library or Bookstore Regularly

Make trips to the library or bookstore part of your summer routine. Many libraries offer summer reading programs with incentives for kids. These visits help keep reading exciting and expose children to new books they might not have discovered on their own.

8. Model a Love for Reading

Kids are more likely to read when they see adults reading, too. Let your child see you enjoying a book, read together as a family, or have a "reading night" where everyone picks a book and reads in a cozy spot.

9. Write About What They Read

Encourage writing by having your child keep a reading journal. They can write summaries, draw pictures, or even create alternative endings to stories they’ve read. This reinforces comprehension and makes reading more interactive.

10. Explore Books Beyond the Classroom

Reading doesn’t have to come from traditional chapter books. Encourage:

Comic books and graphic novels
Magazines geared toward kids
Online articles about their interests
Instructional books for hobbies like drawing, coding, or crafting

By making reading a fun and natural part of summer, you can help your child maintain their literacy skills and develop a lifelong love for books. With just a little effort, you can ensure that when school starts again, your child is ready to hit the ground running! Happy reading!