Summer Reading Programs

Encouraging Lifelong Reading Habits

As summer approaches, you have a valuable opportunity to help students maintain—and even grow—their love of reading outside the classroom. Summer reading programs not only keep literacy skills sharp during the break, but they also plant the seeds for lifelong reading habits.

Here are a few simple ways to help students stay engaged with books all summer long:

🌞 Create or Recommend Summer Reading Lists

Curate a list of age-appropriate, high-interest books and share it with families before the school year ends. Tailor your lists to student interests—mysteries, graphic novels, historical fiction, or nonfiction adventures. Better yet, involve your students in building the list so they feel ownership over their summer reading.

📚 Start a Summer Reading Challenge

Encourage students to set personal reading goals or complete themed challenges like “Read a Book Set in Another Country” or “Read Under the Stars.” Use a printable or digital bingo board to track progress and celebrate with certificates or a class shout-out in the fall.

📖 Partner with Local Libraries

Most libraries offer free summer reading programs packed with incentives, events, and community support. Encourage students to sign up and visit regularly. Many libraries also offer ebooks and audiobooks, making it easy for students to access books anywhere.

💻 Explore Online Reading Platforms

Websites like Epic, Storyline Online, and even public library apps provide a wide selection of books and read-alouds. Sharing these free resources helps students stay connected to reading—no matter their access to physical books.

🔄 Organize a Book Swap

If you're still on campus, host a book swap to give students “new” books to enjoy during the summer. Encourage families to donate gently used books and let students pick something to take home.

🎉 Make Reading Fun and Rewarding

Reading should never feel like homework during the summer! Let students choose books that truly interest them, encourage reading in cozy or unexpected places, and celebrate the joy of reading. A “reading picnic” or themed book day at the start or end of the year can build excitement for the summer.

With just a little planning, summer reading can become a joyful tradition that supports student learning and inspires a lifelong love of books.