Summer Reading Tips for Families: Making Literacy Part of the Adventure

Summer is a time for sunshine, play, and a break from the usual school routine—but it’s also an important opportunity to keep young minds engaged. Without regular reading, many children experience the “summer slide,” losing some of the progress they made during the school year. The good news? With a little creativity and consistency, families can turn summer reading into something kids genuinely look forward to.

Watch to learn more about the "summer slide":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2haD7FhMys

Here are a few tips to keep kids engaged and help them enjoy reading during the summer:

Be a Reading Role Model

Children learn by example. When they see you reading—whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or even the morning news—they begin to understand that reading is not just a school task, but a lifelong habit. Set aside time to read alongside your child, even if you’re enjoying different materials. Setting no-screen times for everyone helps make books inviting. 

Make Reading Accessible - Read Anywhere

The more visible and available reading materials are, the more likely kids are to pick them up. Keep books in the living room, toss a few into the car, bring books outside under a shady tree, or set up a cozy reading fort. Changing the environment can make reading feel fresh and exciting.

Visit the Library

Regular trips to the library can become a highlight of the week. Let your child explore and choose their own books—this sense of ownership builds excitement and motivation. Public libraries have something for everyone. You can also go on a search for Little Free Libraries.

If you are in the Espanola area, bring your children to LEER’s Enchanted Forest of Reading Children’s Library in KIDSPACE on the McCurdy Ministries campus. During the school year, it  is open to the community Tuesdays from 3:00 - 7:00pm and the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10:00am - 1:00pm. We also have Toddler Story Time on Thursday mornings at 10:00am and Preschool Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.

Let Them Choose But Use the Five-Finger Rule

Kids are far more likely to read when they’re interested in the material. Graphic novels, magazines, and joke books all count as reading—what matters most is engagement. Give them the freedom to choose, but help your child find “just right” books using the Five Finger Rule. If they struggle with four to five or more words on a page, the book may be too challenging for independent reading (but great for reading together!). Two to three difficult words per page is perfect to know they are reading and developing stronger skills. 

Check Out Summer Reading Camps, Like McCurdy’s Camp Stars

If you’re looking for more support, families in the Española Valley are invited to register their children for Camp STARS, a summer program offered through the LEER Literacy Ministry. Designed to prevent the summer slide while making learning fun, Camp STARS provides a supportive environment where kids can grow as readers, build confidence, and discover the joy of stories. Camp Stars is a 7-week summer camp for rising 1st – 6th graders,  and this year's camp will run from June 9 - July 23, 2026.

Click here to learn more about this program, and to register your child today!.