Avoiding Summer Reading Loss

The research is quite compelling, spanning almost 100 years. Children can have dramatic loss in their reading levels over the summer—anywhere from one month to several months in one summer. This loss in reading level is often referred to as summer reading loss or the summer brain drain. 

From grades K-5, summer reading loss could amount to almost two grade levels being lost. Imagine the impact of not reading over the summer could have from grades K-12. However, summer reading loss can be remedied easily by simply ensuring your child reads over the summer. Yes, it is that easy!

The more children read over the summer the higher their gains academically in school. Some research shows that reading as little as six books over the summer could prevent the summer loss. Other research indicates with as little as 30 minutes a day, reading loss in children over the summer can be eliminated. 

Every minute reading this summer can help your child not lose ground they made during the school year but also could help them move ahead. Students who read outside of school tend to do better in other subject areas too, such as writing, math, science, and history.

If it is a struggle to get your child to read or your child isn’t quite reading yet, reading aloud to your child counts. You can also take turns reading with your child, each reading one page.

A great way to also encourage reading during the summer is to enroll in the Melrose Public Libraries reading program which begins on June 25th.

The Melrose Public Schools asks all students to read over the summer at least 30 minutes a day. Summer reading lists and forms will be sent home with students in June. Teachers in all grades K-5 will be asking for these forms when students return to school in late August.

Help beat summer reading loss by reading all summer long, everyday for 30 minutes.

Margaret Adams, Director of Curriculum, Melrose Public Schools