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 also 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.

The Malden Public Schools requires all students to read over the summer. Click here for  the summer reading lists. Teachers in all grades K-12 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 is director of Language and Literacy for the Malden Public Schools. This column is part of the efforts of the Title I program to outreach to families and help strengthen the home and school connection.