Planting Summer Reading Seeds of Delight, Learning, and Identity
You’ve packed the sunscreen, pulled out the flip-flops, and marked a dozen activities on the summer calendar. But have you made room for a stack of books?
Before you worry this blog is about “more to do,” take a deep breath. What if summer reading wasn’t about assignments or checklists? What if it was about joy, discovery, and identity?
Let’s reframe it together. Encouraging your kids to read this summer isn’t just about avoiding the “summer slide” in academics. It’s about helping them slide into wonder, dive into imagination, and explore who they are, one page at a time.
Why Reading in Summer Matters (More Than You Think)
For decades, researchers have confirmed what many of us intuitively know. Kids who read in the summer stay sharper, more confident, and more ready to re-engage when school starts again. And here’s the hard truth: kids who don’t read in summer can lose up to two months of reading progress, especially if books aren’t easily accessible in their homes.
Even more concerning is that fewer kids are reading for fun.
In 1984, 53% of 9-year-olds said they read for pleasure almost every day.
Today? Just 42%.
And among 13-year-olds? Only 17% read daily for fun.
Let’s not settle for that.
We can reverse the trend. Not by forcing it, but by fanning the flame of curiosity.
Reading Is About Identity, Too
Every book opens a window. Sometimes it leads into new worlds. Other times, it leads into your child’s own heart.
As I often say, identity is formed in part by what captures our imagination. A child who sees themselves in a brave heroine or a curious scientist in a story begins to say, “Maybe I could be like that too.” That’s not trivial. That’s transformational.
Reading builds vocabulary, yes. But it also builds confidence, worldview, empathy, imagination, and connection. These are all vital pieces of a child’s growing identity.
Let’s Make Reading Personal
“But my child doesn’t like to read.” That’s okay. The goal isn’t to check off books. The goal is to connect your child’s interests to meaningful reading experiences.
If your child loves sports, find a sports novel or a player’s biography. If they’re into animals, grab a book about ocean life or zoo mysteries. If they love making things, try books about inventions, building, or even cookbooks. One dad told me he finally got his son into reading when they found a graphic novel about camping, his favorite hobby.
Reading isn’t limited to novels. It can be articles, how-to books, joke books, devotional books, magazines, and more. Reading is a bridge. Start where your child already stands.
Model It, Don’t Just Mandate It
Kids need to see adults read, especially dads. In the podcast, we highlighted how powerful it is for boys to see their fathers reading. It breaks stereotypes and builds trust.
When your child sees you reading a biography, Scripture, a novel, or even a newspaper, it sends a message. Reading is grown-up, meaningful, and enjoyable.
Make it normal. Keep books by the couch. Bring one to the beach. Pick up something short and read aloud a paragraph. Your actions matter more than your assignments.
Build Summer Reading Into the Rhythm
Try these ideas to make summer reading fun, intentional, and relational:
Library Days – Make weekly visits part of your routine. Explore, browse, and celebrate discoveries.
Reading Bucket List – Challenge your kids (and yourself) to read five books, explore three new genres, or finish one book under a tree.
Family Read-Aloud Time – Pick a book and read a chapter every night together. You’ll be surprised how many “one more chapter!” pleas you’ll hear.
Book and Snack Club – Invite a few friends over, share a snack, and talk about what everyone’s reading.
Theme Weeks – Try mystery week, animal week, or “Books That Made Us Laugh” week. Create momentum with fun and anticipation.
Let reading be a part of the summer adventure. Not a detour from it.
Try This Together
Want to launch your summer reading adventure this week? Try these steps:
Create a Summer Reading Spot – Build a cozy nook with pillows, a basket of books, and a little light. Let it feel special.
Read with Them, Not Just to Them – Sit beside them with your own book. Mirror the moment. Reading beside each other fosters calm and connection.
Celebrate Completions – When they finish a book, cheer. Even if it’s a silly one. Even if it’s below grade level. The goal is joy, not judgment.
Engage Their Smarts
Our 8 Great Smarts help us see how every child might fall in love with reading when we approach it with their strengths:
Word Smart kids might love journaling about their books or reading aloud with flair.
Logic Smart kids may thrive on mystery stories or science books that pose questions.
Picture Smart kids can draw scenes, maps, or characters from what they’ve read.
Music Smart kids might enjoy books that include rhythm, lyrics, or soundtracks.
Body Smart kids need movement. Try audiobooks while walking or acting out a scene.
Nature Smart kids will devour books about animals, weather, or real-life explorers.
People Smart kids may prefer discussing a book with friends or acting it out with family.
Self Smart kids will benefit from quiet reading spaces and books that reflect internal journeys.
There’s a book for every smart. Let’s match their gifts with meaningful words.
Remember: Books are more than stories. They’re companions, teachers, mirrors, and guides.
When we give our kids the gift of reading in summer, we’re doing more than preventing academic loss. We’re helping them grow into thinkers, dreamers, leaders, and lovers of truth.
So grab a book, share a story, take a trip through the pages, and watch what grows in their hearts.
Because when kids learn to love reading, they’re never alone.