Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Reading This Summer
Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Reading This Summer
By Jenna Klemm | Rockstar Leaders
Summer break is the perfect time to slow down and soak up the sunshine—but it’s also an important time to keep those reading muscles strong. The good news? You don’t need to turn your home into a classroom to support your child’s growth. With just a few simple habits and playful routines, you can make reading a natural (and even fun!) part of your summer days.
Here are a few ideas to help you support your child’s reading this summer—no flashcards required.
Read aloud—no matter their age
Even older kids love being read to. Try chapter books, graphic novels, or nonfiction based on their interests. Reading aloud builds vocabulary, listening comprehension, and—most importantly—connection.
Make books easy to grab
Keep books in baskets, car rides, backpacks, and by the bed. The more accessible books are, the more likely your child is to reach for one during quiet moments.
Let them choose
Choice is powerful. Whether they’re into sharks, silly jokes, or superheroes, honor their preferences. Kids are more likely to engage when they’re reading something they’re excited about.
Turn everyday moments into literacy
Reading recipes, signs at the zoo, or instructions for a new game all count! Look for natural opportunities to stretch reading in ways that feel relevant and real.
Play with words
Rhyming games, alphabet scavenger hunts, or stretching out silly words during a car ride can keep phonics and phonemic awareness sharp without a worksheet in sight.
Celebrate progress—not perfection
Whether your child finishes their first chapter book or sounds out a tricky word, take a moment to acknowledge their effort. A simple “I saw how hard you worked on that” goes a long way.
Keep it short and sweet
If your child is resistant, start with 5–10 minutes of reading a day. A little bit consistently is better than a lot all at once.
The Rockstar Reminder:
You don’t have to do it all. Supporting reading this summer doesn’t mean rigid schedules or endless practice. It’s about building habits, noticing growth, and showing your child that reading is something they get to do—not something they have to do.
You’ve got this—and your little reader does too.
