06/17/2026
Don’t take a break from Reading!
We are on our summer break, but it's not a time to take a break from reading or practicing your math facts. This week, we will talk about the reading summer slide and what you can do to help prevent it in your child.
Just what is the summer slide? The slide refers to the summer learning loss. Without practice, anyone can lose any skill they have acquired. Many children, especially struggling readers, tend to forget some of what they have learned without regular practice. What can you do as a parent to keep your child at their current reading level? Try these strategies to help your child improve during the summer:
1. Read! Research shows that reading six books over the summer will help your child retain their reading progress. Let them read what they want to read. If they're going to reread some of their favorites, let them.
2. Take part in the Bulldog’s wild summer book adventure. Scout around town for cleverly hidden books. Once you find one, read it with your family. Once you’ve devoured the story, become a stealthy book ninja and rehide it in a public place for the next family. Books are hidden in Stover, Florence, and Ivy Bend.
3. Make the most of the summer reading program at the Morgan County Library. The theme “Unearth a Story” promises a blend of STEM, science, and reading activities that are both educational and fun for you and your child. Check out the dates on their website: http://morgancountylibrary.org
4. Cultivate a daily reading habit. Spending just twenty minutes a day reading will work wonders for your child's reading skills. Remember, parents are the best role models. So, why not spend time reading together? If your child sees you engrossed in a book, they will understand the importance and joy of reading. Be the reading role model for your child.
5. Continue reading aloud to your child. Reading aloud benefits all children and teens. One of the benefits of reading aloud is that your child will increase their knowledge, expand their experience with text, and build listening comprehension skills. The main benefit is the time spent with your child.
6. Join the One Book One School and read some Junie B. Jones books to be eligible to win prizes. Check your parent square each day.
Summer is filled with ball games, vacations, swimming, and many other activities that may make it hard to keep your reading routine on track. Still, we hope these suggestions will fit into everyone’s busy schedule and make reading fun. Happy Reading!
