4 Ways to Keep Reading Skills Sharp this Summer

You may have heard of the “summer slide”. Not the kind that whisks you into a cool pool. It’s the learning regression that occurs over the summer when daily instruction comes to a sudden halt.

Let’s explore ways to keep the knowledge train moving forward. These summer resources include apps, workbooks, book selections and library reading programs to keep reading success on the right track.

Reading Apps:

I suggest these apps because they are reviewed by Common Sense Education. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

These 3 are free:

1. Starfall ABCs Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education ABCs and phonics integrate with fun images, animations, and activities

2. HOMER Learn & Grow Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Early learners follow an individualized path of skills and interests to gain literacy skills and more

3. Lalilo Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education K–2 literacy program offers comprehensive, adaptive activities

These 10 are paid:

1. Endless Wordplay: School Edition Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Rhymes, phonetic approach, silly animations help kids construct words

2. Wonster Words (Pro Edition) - spelling with ABC phonics by Puzzling Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Word construction and silly animations stress phonics and vocab

3. Hooked on Phonics Learn & Read Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Well-known curriculum adapts well to fun, easy-to-use app

4. Montessorium: Intro to Words Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Well-crafted app lets emerging readers and writers develop reading skills through word building

5. Touch and Write Phonics Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Dig into unique writing textures for letter tracing and phonics fun

6. PocketPhonics Stories Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Comprehensive, serious phonics program has great supports, some fun

7. Poio by Kahoot! Learn to Read Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Kid-centered early reading game leans into discovery and delight

8. Lexia Core5 Reading Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Blended reading program offers individualized growth

9. Starfall Learn to Read Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Delight emergent readers with lively phonics lessons

10. Phonics Genius Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education Quality flashcard-style phonics app missing some basics

Workbooks:

Here are examples of workbooks that target specific skills.

• Alphabet: Little Skill Seekers: Alphabet by Scholastic

• Beginning Sounds: Little Skill Seekers: Beginning Sounds by Scholastic

• Sight Words: Little Skill Seekers: Sight Words by Scholastic

• Word Families: Little Skill Seekers: Word Families by Scholastic

• Reading Comprehension Grade 3: Scholastic Success With Grade 3: Reading Comprehension

• Practice Test Skills Grade 4: Scholastic Success With Grade 4: Reading Tests

• Grammar Grade 5: Scholastic Success With Grade 5: Grammar

Guess What? Read 6 Books:

Studies show that reading just 6 books over the summer can help prevent summer slide. Here are some book ideas to get you started:

Here is a link for books to purchase that are decodable. Your child can practice reading by sounding out the words. Scroll down to find chapter books as well as early learner selections.

Paid decodable books from Amazon Amazon.com: Decodable Books

Here are links for free decodable books.

• From Literacy Learn Hundreds of Free Decodable Readers, Books, PDFs, & eBooks (2022) - Literacy Learn

• From Learn More Hundreds of Free Decodable Readers, Books, PDFs, & eBooks (2022) - Literacy Learn

I especially like this link. It is free and is sequential in skills. SPELD SA Phonic Readers - New Series

Library Reading Programs:

Another way to engage readers is via the library. The theme in the USA, nationwide, for this summer is OCEANS of POSSIBILITIES. You can look up the program at your local library online.

Here is a sample from the state of Texas: TBP Summer Reading Program 2022 - Ocean of Possibilities | TSLAC

And another sample from California: Take the Plunge into Oceans of Possibilities, Escondido Public Library's 2022 Summer Reading Challenge for All Ages!

And Colorado: Colorado Summer Library Program | CDE!

And, yes, Michigan: Summer Reading Program

If you can’t get to the library this is also FREE: The Scholastic Summer Reading program offers kids an exciting, free, and safe summer reading experience, while helping to provide books to kids. Summer Reading on Home Base

Please take time to enjoy the treats of summer. Yes, take time to slide down a pool slide or one on a playground. But also carve out time for learning. The time spent keeping skills fresh will help your learner succeed.

“Reading…..A vacation for the mind.” – Dave Barry

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