Why Summer Reading is More Important Than Ever This Year

This year has had its share of turbulence for students of all ages. And while summer break is an important chance for your child to relax and rejuvenate, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center explains that there’s one activity that is an absolute must this summer. “Summer reading is always a great idea, but this year, as many students are winding down 15 to 16 months of an inconsistent school schedule, it’s more important than ever,” says Huntington. How can summer reading benefit students? Here are several reasons it’s a worthwhile activity this summer especially:

It deters summer learning loss.

Summer learning loss is an annual reality, but it’s even worse this year because of the COVID-19 slide that occurred during the spring 2020 months when students were out of school. Reading is one of the simplest ways to help students continue learning and reduce or eliminate the typical loss of literacy skills that can happen when students are not in school.

It keeps students thinking.

Many teachers work hard to teach critical thinking and encourage self-directed learning, and the simple act of a daily reading habit can promote both. Reading stimulates the brain and broadens students’ imaginations. It boosts creativity and innovative thinking. 

It’s relaxing and fun.

How often have you heard your child complain about being bored? One of the best parts of reading is it is an easy, accessible, anytime activity. It’s a great escape from other stresses and a fun way to pass a rainy (or hot) day. Children who read for enjoyment are more likely to continue doing so into adulthood. Huntington has a free summer reading program open to students and non-Huntington students. The goal of the program is to activate students’ love of reading and engage them in reading stories and expanding their imaginations. To enroll visit: https://huntingtonhelps.com/reading-adventure.    

It gets students ready for next school year.

Maintaining a reading habit over summer keeps students in “learning mode,” and helps them get prepared to pick up where they left off at the end of the previous school year. Reading instills some semblance of routine into students’ lives, which can ease the transition into a new year.

For students who have struggled throughout the school year, summer reading can make a difference—but closing any skill gaps first is beneficial, Huntington says.

“Summer reading is important, but it’s hard to convince a child who struggles with reading to kick off summer break with a pile of books,” she says. What should parents do instead? Call Huntington. “We recognize that some students have lost ground and need help. Our individualized reading programs help students rebuild their reading confidence and learn to actually enjoy reading. We work one-on-one with students to ensure they have the skills needed to read on their grade level so that summer reading can actually be enjoyable, not frustrating.”

To learn more about summer tutoring for reading and other subjects, call 1-800 CAN LEARN.