Why It’s Best to Read Before the School Year Starts

Summer is the perfect time for kids to relax—and recharge their minds. As families enjoy the final weeks of sunshine and freedom, there’s one simple habit that can make a big difference in the school year ahead: reading.

Summertime reading doesn’t just help students hold onto what they’ve learned—it helps them grow. From building vocabulary and boosting comprehension to strengthening focus and confidence, regular reading sets the stage for a strong start in the fall.

The best part? It doesn’t have to feel like homework. With the right approach, reading can become an exciting, low-pressure part of summer fun. Whether your child loves graphic novels, fantasy adventures, or nonfiction stories about real-life heroes, there’s a perfect book waiting to spark their imagination.

Let’s explore how reading throughout the summer can help your child start the school year ahead of the curve.

Why Summertime Reading Matters

According to The Brookings Institution, many students experience the “summer slide,” losing one to two months of reading progress over the break—a setback that makes the transition back to school even more challenging.

Students who spend the summer engaged with books begin the school year with stronger comprehension, a broader vocabulary, and improved focus. In contrast, students who don’t read over the summer may return to school at a disadvantage, struggling to keep up with grade-level expectations.

Reading also improves emotional readiness. Books help students explore new perspectives, develop empathy, and rediscover the joy of learning—all of which boost confidence before returning to class.

For students who struggled with reading last school year, summer is an ideal time to address skill gaps. Even a few weeks of intentional, consistent reading can make a big difference.

The Huntington Learning Center Summer Reading Adventure: A Fun Way to Learn

At Huntington Learning Center, we’ve created a program that turns summer reading into an exciting journey.

Our Summer Reading Adventure, themed “Anywhere You Want to Go!” is a great way to help your student expand their horizons through reading. Whether your child wants to travel through time, meet fascinating characters, or explore new cultures, reading becomes an adventure instead of a chore.

Participants receive a Reading Passport to track their reading progress and set goals, helping build consistency and motivation throughout the summer. This program is open to all students, not just those currently enrolled at Huntington.

Sign up to start your child’s adventure today: Huntington’s Summer Reading Adventure

If Your Child Isn’t Reading Yet—Here’s What to Do

It’s not too late to build a reading habit, but don’t wait until school starts. The longer your child goes without regular reading, the harder the transition back will be.

Here are age-specific tips to help your child enjoy reading:

For Younger Students

Make it bonding time: Spend 20 minutes reading together each night. Ask your child about the story to check their comprehension and build discussion skills.

• Read aloud: Encourage your child to read out loud to you or a sibling. It builds fluency and confidence.
• Set small goals: Try 5 minutes of solo reading and 15 minutes together to build stamina.
• Let them choose: The key is to find books that interest them, not just the ones adults think they “should” read.

For Older Students

• Genre swap: Choose a book for your child that’s outside their usual preferences and have them choose one for you. Read and compare your experiences.
• Read together: Pick a novel to read at the same time and discuss each chapter. It’s a great way to model good reading habits.
• Book-to-movie challenge: Find a book that’s been made into a movie. Read it together, then plan a movie night to compare the two.

Why It Works

In today’s digital world, many students spend their time scrolling through TikTok, watching YouTube, or reading short texts.

Summertime reading offers a welcome change: no pressure, no tests—just the chance to enjoy a good story. By building a consistent, daily reading routine now, students will return to school more prepared, more focused, and more confident.

Let Huntington Help You Get Started

Don’t wait for the first week of school to prioritize reading and  learning! Start now with Huntington’s Summer Reading Adventure or Summer Tutoring and give your child the boost they need to succeed this fall.

Call 1-800 CAN LEARN or visit HuntingtonHelps.com to register and receive your free Reading Passport today!