5 Tips to Prevent Summer Slide

What is Summer Slide?

You may have heard the term “summer slide” from teachers or other parents, but what does it mean? Summer Slide is what happens when the skills students learn during the school year are lost or forgotten over the summer. A student’s exposure to educational activities isn’t usually as rigorous during the summer as it is in the classroom, and some students may need a refresher at the beginning of the new school year.

How can I prevent Summer Slide?

When children don’t read over the summer, they can fall 2 years behind by 5th grade. It’s always important to support your child’s learning at home, and over the summer this is critical. Let's see how you can prevent it:

2022 Summer Reading List

See the reading list >>

Choose the Right Books

Think of this as the “Goldilocks Effect.” If your kid’s book is too easy, she’ll get bored. If her book is too hard, she’ll get frustrated and give up. When your child reads a “just right” book, she should be challenged but engaged. Ask your child’s teacher or a children’s librarian for help if you’re not sure what your child’s reading level is.

Set Goals

Sit down with your child and set some summer reading goals together. Depending on your child’s age, you might want to shoot for one book a week, or an hour of reading time a day. Make sure your goals are realistic, and set up a reward system. For example, if she finishes three books, take a trip to the movie theater or get an ice cream cone.

Go to the Library

Public libraries often have great summer programs for kids, and these are usually inexpensive or free. While you’re there, let your child pick out some new books – he’ll be much more excited to crack open a book if he chose it himself.

Read Every Day

Practice makes perfect, and reading is no exception! Show your kids that reading is a priority, and they will treat it that way too. In the meantime, enjoy snuggling up with your child and sharing a book – these moments will help establish a love of reading and a closer bond with your family.

Make it fun!

Your kids will want to read if you sneak books into all the fun activities you do. Heading to the beach? Pack some books with you. Try going on a “reading picnic” in the park. Play games or puzzles together that will require your child to read words. Sing songs or nursery rhymes with younger ones.

2022 Summer Reading List

This summer is the perfect time of year to nurture the love of reading with books from our Summer Reading List. Check out these incredible titles filled with adventure, mystery, and intrigue to keep your child reading all summer!

See the 2022 Summer Reading List >>

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