Helping Children and Young Adults Stay Reading Ready for the Next School Year
Reading is much more than an academic task. It supports language development, strengthens memory and comprehension, encourages creativity, and helps build independence. Most importantly, reading can become a source of enjoyment and connection for the entire family.
Summer is often seen as a time for rest, vacations, and a break from school routines. While children and young adults deserve time to relax, summer is also an important opportunity to keep learning skills active, especially reading skills. For families of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities, finding enjoyable and accessible ways to read can make a meaningful difference in confidence, communication, and school readiness for the upcoming year.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Research has shown that children who continue reading during the summer are better prepared when school begins again in the fall. Without regular reading practice, many students experience what educators often call the “summer slide,” where reading and learning skills may weaken over the break.
Even a small amount of consistent reading throughout the summer can help students:
- Maintain reading and comprehension skills
- Improve vocabulary and communication
- Strengthen memory and critical thinking
- Build confidence and independence
- Prepare for the expectations of the next school year
For students with disabilities, maintaining routines and practicing skills consistently can be especially beneficial. Reading can also support individualized education goals by encouraging listening, expressive language, attention, and comprehension in low-pressure ways.
Reading Benefits at Every Age
Early Childhood
Reading to younger children helps promote healthy bonding between caregivers and children. Listening to stories introduces language patterns, builds vocabulary, and encourages imagination and creativity. Children who are read to regularly often develop stronger listening and early literacy skills.
The good news is that reading aloud continues to provide benefits well beyond preschool years. Studies have found that children who are read to after age five continue to strengthen reading, listening, and academic abilities.
Helpful Resources
- Reading with babies from birth
- Picture This! Using Mental Imagery While Reading | Colorín Colorado
- How picture books help kids develop literacy skills | Reading Partners
- Guided Reading for Every Student’s Level | Scholastic | Teachers
- 10 Reasons You Should Read Aloud to Big Kids, Too
Middle School Years
As students grow older, reading comprehension becomes increasingly important. Middle school students begin using higher-level thinking skills such as recalling details, making connections, understanding themes, and analyzing information. Regular reading practice helps strengthen these skills in a manageable and enjoyable way.
Helpful Resources
High School and Young Adulthood
In high school and beyond, reading supports deeper understanding across all subjects. Whether reading novels, articles, manuals, graphic novels, or audiobooks, students are practicing comprehension, problem-solving, and real-world learning skills that prepare them for adulthood, employment, college, and independent living.
- 50 Classics From (almost) Everyone’s High School Reading List | Stacker
- An Open Letter to High School Students about Reading | AAUP
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Every child learns differently, and reading does not have to look the same for everyone. The goal is to encourage engagement and enjoyment while supporting learning in ways that fit your child’s needs and abilities.
Here are a few simple ways families can encourage reading this summer:
Follow Your Child’s Interests
Choose topics your child already enjoys, such as animals, sports, cooking, art, technology, space, or favorite TV characters. Interest-based reading increases motivation and participation.
Remember That All Reading Counts
Books are wonderful, but reading can also include:
- Audiobooks
- Graphic novels
- Magazines
- Recipe instructions
- Closed captions on television
- Online articles
- Comic books
- Adaptive or sensory-friendly books
Create a Comfortable Reading Routine
Short, consistent reading times are often more effective than long sessions. Even 10–20 minutes a day can help maintain important skills.
Read Together
Shared reading can reduce frustration and increase confidence. Take turns reading pages, discuss pictures, or simply listen together to an audiobook during car rides or quiet time.
Use Accessibility Supports
For children and young adults with disabilities, accommodations can make reading more enjoyable and successful. Consider:
- Audiobooks or text-to-speech tools
- Large print books
- Visual supports
- Reading trackers or reward systems
- Noise-canceling headphones
Assistive Technology and More Resources
- Libby: The library reading app: Connect through your local library and download free ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more
- Short Clip on How to Download and Use Libby
- Get EPIC: Digital Reading Platform Subscription
- Bookshare: Pairs with Dolphin Easy Reader, Braille Notetaker & Daisy Audio Player & More!
- Project Gutenberg: Over 75,000 Free eBooks
- National Library Service: free braille and talking book library service for those eligible
- VitalSource: eTextbook Reader
- How to Host a Children’s Book Club this Summer
Celebrate Progress
Focus on effort and enjoyment rather than perfection. Celebrating small successes helps build confidence and encourages lifelong learning habits.
Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Reading
Reading is not only about preparing for tests or assignments. It opens doors to imagination, independence, communication, and lifelong learning. Whether your child reads independently, listens to audiobooks, enjoys picture books, or explores stories through adaptive formats, every experience with reading matters.
This summer, encourage your child or young adult to discover stories, topics, and formats they enjoy. By keeping reading fun, accessible, and consistent, families can help students return to school feeling more confident and prepared for the year ahead.
