Summer Reading Loss
Do children really suffer from a summer reading loss?
Research has proven that the impact of summer reading loss can be significant.
Who is affected?
• If your child is among the top 25 percent of readers for their age they will probably continue to make some progress during the summer.
• If your child is an average reader for their age, they will likely remain steady or fall slightly during the summer.
• If your child is among the students who have made slower reading achievement during the school year, they are at risk of suffering from a significant reading loss over the summer.
To sum it up, students who are having more difficulty learning to read are the students who suffer the most from summer reading loss.
What can I do about this?
Research has shown that the best predictor of reading achievement is the amount of time spent reading—The more time a child spends reading, the better reader they become. So the best thing you can do for your child is reading to
them, reading with them and giving them opportunities for more reading.
Ideas for Summer Reading
• Don’t view reading as a chore—Create a positive environment for reading so that children look forward to it. You don’t have to read, you get to read!
• Reading doesn’t have to only be books—Get a magazine about your child’s favorite hobby, turn on the captions and turn down the volume on the television, look for information on the web.
• Your day to day routines can provide reading experiences—cooking, using the phone book, reading instructions for a new game, and reading maps or brochures for your vacation spots are all authentic reading experiences
• Read during transitions times—Get some more reading time in during the drive to Grandma’s house or while waiting for the dentist.
• Keep reading those old favorites—Reading books that are a little easy or are even memorized build confidence and fluency.
• Read to your child—You get quality time with your child, you are a great reading model and you have the opportunity to talk to your child.
• Talk about books—Ask your child open-ended questions such as “What do you think about that story? “ “What would you have done if you were that character?”
• Visit the library—Not only can the librarian help you find good, interesting books for your child, but they probably have a summer reading program your child can participate in.
• Support your child’s writing—There is no better letter/sound practice than writing. Provide supplies and opportunities for your child to write—letters, lists, messages, vacation journal or scrapbook, etc. Don’t worry about spelling—just praise your child’s efforts.
Mraz, Maryann & Rasinski, Timothy V. (2007).
Summer reading loss.
The Reading Teacher, Vol.60 (No.8), 784-‐788.
