How to Support Your Child’s Reading at Home Over the Summer

Summer is right around the corner, and one question I hear from many parents is:“How can I help my child with reading over the summer?”

It’s a great question—and an important one.

Louisa Moats once said, “Teaching reading is rocket science,” and she’s absolutely right. So first, give yourself some grace. You don’t need to become a reading teacher over the summer. In fact, putting too much pressure on yourself (and your child) to “catch up” can create stress and tension. Instead, make summer reading light, enjoyable, and a chance to bond. Here are some fun and effective ways you can support your child’s reading development—while keeping the joy alive.

Start with Simple Daily Habits

1. Make Weekly Library Visits

Libraries are goldmines for summer reading. Whether your child is 5 or 15, weekly trips can keep the excitement going. Many libraries also offer summer reading programs and book clubs. Let your child choose their own books—it gives them ownership and keeps them motivated.

2. Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud has powerful benefits at every age:

• Young children build vocabulary, language comprehension, and background knowledge.

• Older students (especially those who struggle) benefit from hearing fluent reading and being exposed to grade-level vocabulary and ideas.

Don’t shy away from reading books that are above your child’s level—reading with them bridges that gap. For middle and high schoolers, try taking turns reading aloud. In my own home, I started reading most of the book to my middle schooler, and over time, she began to take over. Now she reads independently, but we still talk about the books together.

3. Create a Reading Routine

Set aside a quiet, predictable time each day for reading—before bed is a favorite for many families. It helps wind down the day, and it becomes part of your rhythm. Don’t worry about strict time limits—some days you’ll read longer, some days shorter. The consistency matters more than the clock.

Make Reading an Interactive Experience

Ask questions while reading:

• “What do you think the main character wants?”

• “Why do you think they made that choice?”

• “How are they feeling right now? What makes you think that?”

• “What do you think will happen next?”

As you read more books, encourage your child to make connections between characters and themes. For example:"Esperanza reminds me of Samar from Wishtree—both were brave in their own way."

Set a purpose for reading by previewing the book or chapter together. You might say:"Tonight, let’s pay attention to how Esperanza shows courage."This gives your child something to listen for and think about.

Ideas by Age and Grade Level

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Focus: Foundational reading skills and fun!

• Play word games: “What’s the first sound in ‘bat’?” “Do ‘kid’ and ‘kiss’ rhyme?”

• Use phonics workbooks: Explode the Code is a great series, with levels that include decodable text.

• Draw and write: After reading, have your child draw a favorite scene or character and label it. Give writing a purpose—"Draw a picture for Nanny about the book, and we’ll mail it to her!”

Grades 3 – 5

Focus: Strengthening fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Continue phonics (if needed): Older kids can still benefit from Explode the Code for decoding practice.

• Vocabulary games: Talk about words from their books. Break them into syllables, identify prefixes/suffixes, and use the words in daily conversations.

• Meaningful writing: Have your child write a letter or email to a grandparent or friend about a book they read. Include their favorite part or character. Encourage a reply to keep the conversation going!

Grades 6 and Up

Focus: Advanced vocabulary, text analysis, and deeper engagement.

• Explore word meaning: Break down unfamiliar words from books. Talk about multiple meanings, root words, and how affixes change word meanings.

• Connect to real life: Encourage your teen to read books related to their interests—sports, social issues, hobbies—and discuss the ideas together.

• Purposeful writing: Just like with younger kids, writing about reading can help with comprehension. Teens can journal, email family members, or even write a book review to share with friends.

Final Thoughts

Summer is the perfect time to nurture your child’s love for reading without the pressure of school assignments and tests. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. By reading together, asking questions, and talking about books, you’re not just helping your child grow academically—you’re building a lifelong love of learning and a stronger bond between you.

Remember: Keep it light, keep it fun, and enjoy the journey together.