Boosting Summer Literacy | JAM Teaching and Consulting

For many kids, summer vacation is a time to set textbooks aside and enjoy the great outdoors. While taking a break from academic work is important, it's also vital to help kids maintain the literacy skills and momentum they've developed over the school year. A gap that's too long can result in losing momentum and a struggle for kids to catch up once school resumes. But the good news is that there are a variety of ways that parents and educators can help kids boost their summer literacy skills without sacrificing the joys of summer vacation.

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Encourage reading — but make it fun! Summer reading programs at local libraries are a great way to keep kids engaged in reading over the summer. But don't rely solely on programs like this. Make sure to carve out dedicated reading time at home, and choose books that are both age-appropriate and interesting to the child. If your child has a specific interest or passion, help them find books that support and deepen that interest. Consider reading with them, creating a cozy reading nook, or taking turns reading aloud with family or friends.

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Turn summer vacations into learning opportunities. Vacations or day trips can be educational opportunities that don't feel like traditional "learning." For example, if you're visiting a national park, read signs and interpretive displays, or consider doing a scavenger hunt related to the park's features. If you're traveling abroad, learn a few basic phrases in the local language or help your child research the history of the places you'll visit.

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Use technology to your advantage. There are some tremendous literacy-based apps and programs that can help keep kids engaged in learning over the summer. Consider apps that support reading, writing, and spelling skills or educational channels that are entertaining and informative. Many of these resources are free or low-cost.

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Give kids opportunities to write creatively. Writing skills are just as important as reading skills, so consider ways to encourage creative writing over the summer. This can be as simple as writing letters to grandparents or keeping a daily journal. Consider more structured writing opportunities, such as participating in online writing contests or creating a story-based scavenger hunt with friends.

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Make literacy a family activity. Cultivate a family culture around literacy. Make time for read-alouds and book discussions, create family book clubs, or play word games together during long car rides. Show kids that literacy isn't just something they "have to do" for school, but a skill that can bring joy, discovery, and connection into their lives.

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Summer vacation doesn't have to be a time when kids lose momentum in their literacy skills. With some planning and creativity, parents and educators can help kids maintain and boost their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills over the summer. Whether it's through dedicated reading time, creative writing opportunities, or learning-focused vacations, summer literacy can be a fun and rewarding experience for kids of all ages.

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