6 Teacher Tips for Getting Kids Into a Summer Reading Routine

It's important for kids to read during summer break, so when the school year kicks off again in the fall, they’ll be ready to dive back into learning!

Whether your child has an assigned summer reading list or is participating in a summer reading program, these six teacher tips will help them get into a summer reading routine.

1. Keep a Loose Schedule

Joe Saenz, a 5th-grade teacher in New Jersey, encourages parents to keep their child on a relaxed schedule to help them get into a summer reading routine.

“Have a typical time that they wake up in the morning and go to bed at night,” Saenz says. “And within that schedule, set aside — even if it's only 15 or 20 minutes — a time just to read together.”

2. Don’t Present Reading As a Chore

Reading shouldn’t be an activity your child has to do. It should be something they want to do! And the best way for them to understand the joy of reading is by watching you do it.

Amy Soupiset, a 6th-grade reading teacher in Texas, recommends parents model the active reading life they want their own children to engage in. If your child sees how much you love to read and how much joy it brings you, they’ll want to join in the fun. For example, you can share why you loved some of your favorite childhood books. Read them aloud with your child under a shady tree outside!

You can also read your own favorite grown-up books next to your child as they read their titles. In any case, make sure your child sees you reading.

3. Go Outside

Reading doesn’t have to be at a desk. Saenz recommends children take their books outside to change up their summer reading environment. “Go somewhere where there’s no television or other temptations so they can really focus and be comfortable as they’re reading,” he says.

4. Role Reversal

You may typically read aloud to your child before bed. Saenz recommends parents and children occasionally reverse roles during story time so children are reading aloud to parents.

You’ll not only be able to help your child with unfamiliar vocabulary, but you’ll also be able to check on their comprehension while showing them your own excitement for the book. That enthusiasm will motivate your child to read even more! Get started with these family read-alouds about feelings. 

5. Make Summer Reading a Shared Family Experience

One the most effective ways to get your child into the swing of summer reading is by getting everyone involved. You may even find your own joy in the books they're reading. 

“Some of the richest, sweetest, and most challenging stories are middle grade and YA stories,” says Soupiset. “There’s a lot to be gained from the experience with your kid, and I think they’ll enjoy it."

6. Dive Into a Series

Both Soupiset and Saenz recommend children find a book series to read over the summer, whether it’s one they started during the school year or a new series they’ve been wanting to begin. This way, as they move from one book to the next, they’ll build on their background knowledge and have a better understanding of the plot, setting, and characters. 

Keep your child reading over the summer with expert tips and book recommendations with our summer reading guide.

Shop series that get kids hooked on summer reading below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.