Summer reading can encourage imagination
Published on May 20, 2025 at 3:18pm EDT | Author: henningmaster
0Library Happenings
Henning School
With school letting out for the summer, we want to encourage parents to remember that our public and school library is available for book checkout. It’s easy for books to take a backseat to swimming pools, video games, and family vacations. We want to keep children reading during the summer months. Reading is one of the best ways to support their learning and set them up for success when school starts again.
Research shows that kids who don’t read over the summer can lose up to two months of reading skills—a phenomenon known as the “summer slide.” Over time, this can add up, making it harder for children to catch up once the new school year begins. Just 20 minutes of reading a day can help maintain—and even improve—a child’s reading level.
Pack a book in the car that only gets to be read while in the car. If your child gets car sick while reading, make it a challenge that they read during the stop light time, or while you are gassing up, or waiting in line at the fast food restaurant! If the book is short and a good story, they will begin to remember to pick the book up themselves.
Beyond academics, summer reading also encourages imagination, builds vocabulary, and nurtures a love for learning. Whether it’s a mystery, a funny comic, or a book about dinosaurs, reading sparks curiosity and creativity. It also helps children relax and unwind, making it a perfect quiet-time activity during busy summer days.
Parents and caregivers can make a big difference by letting children choose books they enjoy, visiting the local library, or even starting a simple family reading challenge. No matter how it’s done, the key is consistency.
You can model reading by having a weekly bonfire where you read a mystery story and be sure to stop at the cliffhanger parts so that your child will look forward to the next bonfire reading. Making time for reading in the child’s day can make a huge difference in their life.
So this summer, pack a book in the beach bag, keep a stack by the bed, and help kids discover the joy of reading—because every page turned is a step forward.