Summer is a time for outdoor fun, relaxation, and making memories with loved ones. It’s also a time when children are at risk of experiencing what’s known as the “Summer Slide”—learning loss some students experience when they’re away from the regular rhythm of school. Keep reading to learn more about why the Summer Slide occurs and how parents can help their kids stay on track with their learning.

WHAT IS THE SUMMER SLIDE AND WHY IS IT BAD?

According to Dr. David Rzeszutko, Vice President of Medical and Clinical Operations, Priority Health, the Summer Slide can occur especially when students have fewer opportunities to read, practice skills or stay mentally engaged over the summer months. 

“It can happen in any subject, but reading is often the area families notice most because it depends so much on consistency,” Dr. Rzeszutko explained. “It occurs for a very understandable reason: kids are out of routine. Summer can be busy, unstructured and full of competing priorities, and not every child has the same access to books, libraries, camps, or quiet reading time.”

Unfortunately, when kids stop reading for long stretches, it can affect more than just their reading level.

“Reading builds vocabulary, comprehension, attention span and confidence,” Dr. Rzeszutko said, adding that if a child returns to school feeling behind, that can also make the transition back more stressful.

Ceasing reading during the summer months has the potential for a multitude of negative outcomes:

• Students may need more time to regain reading fluency and comprehension.
• They may lose confidence if schoolwork feels harder in the fall.
• Gaps can widen for children who have less access to books or reading support in the summer.
• Parents and teachers may see more frustration, avoidance or reluctance to read.

“One helpful way to think about it is that reading is like any other skill: it gets stronger with regular practice,” Dr. Rzeszutko encouraged. “National data also shows that reading for fun has declined among children and teens, which makes intentional summer reading even more important.”

THE BENEFITS OF SUMMER READING

Beyond avoiding setbacks in a student’s learning, making reading a priority during the summer months truly pays off in a number of ways. Dr. Rzeszutko explained how it can be a truly positive, low-pressure way to help kids stay connected to learning.

“It doesn’t have to look like schoolwork! Reading can happen through chapter books, graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, recipes, sports stories, or anything that sparks curiosity,” he said. “There is also a strong connection between frequent reading and academic confidence. Children who read regularly are more likely to build stamina and see themselves as capable readers, which can influence how they approach school overall.”

Summer reading can:

• Help maintain vocabulary and comprehension.
• Support focus, imagination and critical thinking.
• Make the back-to-school transition feel smoother.
• Give families a meaningful screen-free activity to do together.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO KEEP KIDS ON TRACK

The best approach to encourage kids to keep up with their reading, according to Dr. Rzeszutko, is to make reading feel natural and achievable, not like a punishment or another assignment.

“Even 15 to 20 minutes a day can make a difference, especially when parents give kids some choice in what they read.”

He offered up these tips for parents:

• Let kids choose. Choice builds motivation, whether it’s a mystery series, comics, sports biographies or audiobooks.
• Create a simple routine. Try reading after breakfast, before bed or during quiet time.
• Read together. Younger kids benefit from being read to, and older kids may enjoy family reading time where everyone reads their own book.
• Use everyday reading. Menus, road signs, recipes, game instructions and shopping lists all count.
• Celebrate progress. Keep it encouraging. A library visit, sticker chart or even a treat can go a long way. 

Parents are encouraged to model these behaviors, as well. As we know, when children can see adults reading themselves in a leisurely way, it helps normalize the activity as something that’s enjoyable and not simply a school assignment.

Thankfully, there are plenty of resources that exist for parents to utilize—many of which Dr. Rzeszutko noted are free or low-cost:

• Local public libraries: Many offer summer reading challenges, book clubs and recommendations by age or interest.
• School reading lists: Teachers and school media specialists can point families toward books that match a child’s level and interests.
• Michigan eLibrary: Families in Michigan can access digital materials, homework help and reading resources.
• Audiobooks and e-books: These are especially helpful for road trips, busy schedules, or children who benefit from hearing language while following along. 

Dr. Rzeszutko said that summer reading should be joyful and flexible, emphasizing that parents shouldn’t feel pressure to create a perfect academic plan. The goal, he stressed, is to keep children curious, confident and connected to books in a way that fits the family’s life.

“As a physician, I also think about reading as part of a child’s overall well-being,” he added. “It can support healthy routines, reduce reliance on screens, encourage parent-child connection, and give kids a calm activity during a season that can otherwise be very busy. The most important thing is to start small and keep it positive.”

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.